CVE-2018-2846 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Performance Schema). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.21 and prior. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Server. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.9 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2846 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Server: Performance Schema subcomponent. This flaw affects MySQL versions 5.7.21 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for database administrators managing these systems. The vulnerability operates at a foundational level within the database server's architecture, impacting how performance data is collected and managed, which makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with elevated privileges. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system rates this vulnerability with a base score of 4.9, indicating a moderate severity level that primarily impacts system availability through potential denial of service conditions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain performance schema data structures, which creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the database server's internal state. Attackers with high privileged access and network connectivity can exploit this weakness to cause the MySQL Server to hang or repeatedly crash, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users and applications. The vulnerability's exploitability is classified as easily accessible, meaning that skilled attackers with appropriate privileges can leverage this flaw without requiring extensive technical expertise or specialized tools. The attack vector requires network access via multiple protocols, indicating that the vulnerability can be targeted through various communication channels that MySQL typically utilizes for database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2846 extends beyond simple service disruption, as the complete denial of service condition can severely impact business operations and data availability. Organizations relying on MySQL databases for critical applications face potential downtime that can result in significant financial losses, data unavailability, and service interruptions. The vulnerability's ability to cause frequently repeatable crashes means that even a single successful exploitation can lead to sustained service degradation, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database reliability is paramount. This type of vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, which addresses buffer overflow conditions in performance monitoring systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, specifically targeting availability through resource consumption and system instability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to MySQL versions that have patched this flaw, with Oracle releasing updates that address the performance schema handling issues. Database administrators should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the attack surface by restricting unauthorized access to database servers, even when considering that the vulnerability requires high privileged access. Organizations should also consider monitoring performance schema activities and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a high privilege requirement means that proper access control mechanisms and principle of least privilege implementations are crucial defensive measures that can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.