CVE-2018-3058 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: MyISAM). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.60 and prior, 5.6.40 and prior and 5.7.22 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 update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.3 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3058 resides within the MyISAM storage engine of Oracle MySQL database systems, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple version ranges including 5.5.60 and earlier, 5.6.40 and earlier, and 5.7.22 and earlier releases. This flaw operates within the broader MySQL Server component and specifically targets the MyISAM table handler which is one of the oldest and most widely used storage engines in the MySQL ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can leverage this weakness to compromise database integrity, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on MySQL for critical data operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the MyISAM storage engine implementation. Attackers with low privileged network access can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized modification capabilities against MySQL Server data. The vulnerability specifically enables unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations on certain database tables that are accessible to the attacker, while maintaining the integrity of the overall system. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system rates this vulnerability with a base score of 4.3, reflecting moderate severity with integrity impacts and low attack complexity. The attack vector is classified as network-based (AV:N) requiring no user interaction (UI:N) and only low privilege requirements (PR:L), making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without extensive access privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3058 extends beyond simple data modification as it represents a fundamental breach in database access controls that can lead to data corruption and unauthorized information manipulation. Organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions face potential risks including unauthorized data alterations, information disclosure, and potential service disruption if attackers exploit this vulnerability to modify critical database entries. The vulnerability affects the integrity of database operations, which is particularly critical for applications requiring data consistency and reliability. According to CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification, this vulnerability aligns with weaknesses related to insufficient input validation and inadequate access control mechanisms. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and data manipulation categories, where adversaries can leverage network-based attacks to gain unauthorized access to database resources and modify data integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to the latest supported versions that contain fixes for the MyISAM storage engine issues. Organizations should prioritize upgrading their MySQL servers to versions that address this specific vulnerability, as the affected versions have reached end-of-life support status. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit unnecessary access to MySQL ports, while also enforcing strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication and least privilege access controls. Database administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of existing MyISAM tables and consider migrating critical tables to InnoDB storage engine which provides better security controls and transactional integrity. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed audit logs of database access and modification activities to facilitate incident response and forensic analysis. Additionally, organizations should review their overall database security posture and implement defense-in-depth strategies including network access controls, secure configuration management, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising database infrastructure.