CVE-2018-3056 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Security: Privileges). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.22 and prior and 8.0.11 and prior. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.3 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-3056 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle MySQL Server's privilege management system. This flaw exists in the Server: Security: Privileges subcomponent and affects specific version ranges including all 5.7.x releases through 5.7.22 and 8.0.x releases through 8.0.11. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can potentially compromise the database server, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database security is paramount. The CVSS 3.0 score of 4.3 reflects the moderate severity of the confidentiality impact, where attackers can gain unauthorized read access to a subset of database data without requiring additional privileges or complex attack vectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate privilege checking mechanisms within the MySQL server's security framework. Attackers with low privileges can exploit this weakness through multiple network protocols, bypassing normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized data reading. The vulnerability specifically targets the privilege validation system, which is fundamental to maintaining data integrity and access control within database environments. This flaw operates at the server level rather than at the application or network level, making it particularly insidious as it can be exploited regardless of the specific protocol used for database communication. The vulnerability's impact is limited to read access rather than write or administrative capabilities, but unauthorized data reading can still result in significant information disclosure and potential downstream security consequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to comprehensive data leakage from database servers that may contain sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, financial records, or proprietary business information. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face increased risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation means that even relatively unsophisticated attackers can potentially compromise database systems, making it a particularly concerning threat in environments where database security is not properly maintained. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader database security assessments, particularly in environments where multiple network protocols are used for database access and where proper network segmentation is not implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3056 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL server installations to the latest available versions that contain the security fixes. Organizations should also implement additional network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict database access to trusted IP addresses and ports, along with network segmentation to limit the attack surface. Database administrators should conduct thorough privilege audits to ensure that users have the minimum necessary access rights and implement proper monitoring of database access patterns to detect potential unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains, particularly emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper access controls and network security measures. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns and unauthorized data reading attempts, which can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation of this vulnerability.