CVE-2018-3065 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DML). 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 ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Server. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 6.5 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/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-2018-3065 represents a critical availability flaw within Oracle MySQL Server's Data Manipulation Language processing subsystem. This weakness exists in MySQL versions 5.7.22 and earlier, as well as 8.0.11 and earlier, making it a widespread issue affecting multiple major release lines. The vulnerability specifically targets the server's handling of DML operations, which encompass the fundamental database operations including insert, update, delete, and select commands that form the core of database interaction. The flaw's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can leverage this vulnerability without requiring complex attack chains or specialized tools.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain DML operations that can trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions within the MySQL server process. When exploited, this flaw allows authenticated users with low privileges to craft specific database queries that cause the MySQL server to enter an unstable state, resulting in either complete system hang or repeated crashes that effectively render the database service unavailable. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it can cause the database server to become completely unresponsive, forcing administrators to manually restart the service and potentially causing data loss or transaction rollback scenarios. The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects the availability impact severity, with the vector indicating network accessibility, low attack complexity, and the requirement for only low privileges to exploit.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for database environments where MySQL serves as a critical backend service for applications, web services, or enterprise systems. The ability to cause complete denial of service with relatively simple exploitation means that attackers can disrupt business operations without requiring advanced technical skills or expensive resources. The vulnerability's impact on availability is particularly concerning for mission-critical systems where database uptime is essential for business continuity. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential operational disruptions, service degradation, and possible financial losses due to extended downtime periods. The low privilege requirement makes this vulnerability especially dangerous as it can be exploited by users who have legitimate database access but are not intended to have destructive capabilities.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest Oracle security patches and updates to all affected MySQL installations. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure to only necessary systems and users. Monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous query patterns and automatically alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database configurations and ensure comprehensive protection against both known and emerging threats.