CVE-2018-3074 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Security: Roles). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.11 and prior. Difficult to exploit 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 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/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-2018-3074 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's handling of security roles, specifically affecting versions 8.0.11 and earlier. This issue represents a significant concern for database security infrastructure as it targets the core authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern user access to database resources. The vulnerability operates within the Server: Security: Roles subcomponent, indicating that it fundamentally impacts how MySQL processes role-based access control configurations and user privilege management. The flaw manifests when the server processes certain role-related operations, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to disrupt normal database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of role-related data structures within the MySQL server process. Attackers exploiting this weakness can leverage network-based access through multiple protocols to execute malicious payloads that trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector requires some level of network connectivity and specific conditions, the underlying flaw creates a persistent risk that can be weaponized by attackers with minimal privileges. The CVSS score of 5.3 reflects the availability impact, with the potential to cause complete denial of service through either hanging or repeated crashing of the MySQL server process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to database availability and business continuity. When successfully exploited, the attack results in a complete denial of service condition that can render database systems inaccessible to legitimate users and applications. The repeated crash capability suggests that attackers can maintain persistent disruption rather than achieving a one-time service interruption, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for production environments. The low privilege requirement combined with network accessibility means that even unauthenticated attackers can potentially compromise database availability, creating a significant risk for organizations that rely on MySQL for critical data operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Oracle security patches and updates to MySQL Server versions 8.0.11 and earlier. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit unnecessary network exposure to MySQL services, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a potential pathway for techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the Denial of Service category. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running affected MySQL versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are maintained to prevent exploitation.