CVE-2018-3063 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 5.5.60 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 • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3063 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's security privilege subsystem, specifically affecting versions 5.5.60 and earlier. This weakness represents a critical availability risk that demonstrates how improper privilege handling can lead to system compromise. The vulnerability operates within the broader context of database security where access controls are paramount to maintaining system integrity and availability. Such flaws are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited by attackers with high privileges, suggesting that the vulnerability may be triggered through legitimate administrative access paths rather than requiring initial compromise of the system.
The technical flaw manifests as an insufficient validation mechanism within the server's privilege handling architecture, allowing authenticated users with elevated privileges to manipulate system resources in ways that can cause complete service disruption. This vulnerability operates across multiple network protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors without requiring specialized tools or extensive network reconnaissance. The flaw essentially creates a pathway where authorized users can trigger resource exhaustion or state corruption that leads to denial of service conditions. This represents a classic example of privilege escalation leading to availability compromise, where the attacker's elevated status enables them to cause system instability rather than simply accessing data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially affecting business continuity and system reliability. When a MySQL server experiences a complete denial of service condition, it can cascade into larger system failures, especially in environments where database availability is critical for application functionality. Organizations relying on MySQL for core operations may experience significant downtime, data access interruptions, and potential revenue loss during exploitation. The CVSS 3.0 score of 4.9 indicates a moderate to high severity impact, with the availability impact being the primary concern. This vulnerability can be particularly problematic in production environments where database servers are expected to maintain high availability and uptime.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3063 should focus on immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to the latest supported releases. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers and enforce strict access controls through the principle of least privilege. Monitoring for unusual database activity patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar privilege-related weaknesses in database configurations. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring solutions can provide visibility into suspicious privilege usage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.