CVE-2018-3077 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DDL). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.22 and prior and 8.0.11 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-2018-3077 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: DDL subcomponent, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple versions of Oracle MySQL. This vulnerability impacts MySQL Server versions 5.7.22 and earlier, as well as 8.0.11 and prior, making it a widespread concern across the MySQL ecosystem. The flaw is classified as easily exploitable, meaning that attackers with relatively low technical sophistication can leverage it effectively. The vulnerability requires only high privileged access and network connectivity through multiple protocols to execute successful attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative privileges are compromised or where network access is not properly restricted. The CVSS base score of 4.9 indicates a moderate to high severity impact, with the primary concern being availability rather than confidentiality or integrity, as reflected in the CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the Data Definition Language processing within MySQL Server, which is responsible for managing database schema changes and structural modifications. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to cause the MySQL Server to hang or experience frequently repeatable crashes, effectively resulting in a complete denial of service condition. The DDL subsystem is critical for database operations as it handles commands such as CREATE, ALTER, and DROP statements that modify the database structure. The flaw likely stems from inadequate input validation or memory management within the DDL processing logic, potentially involving buffer overflows, improper resource handling, or race conditions that occur during schema modification operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 (Heap Overflow) or CWE-129 (Improper Validation of Array Index) classifications, which are common in database management systems where complex data structures are manipulated. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed through multiple network protocols, including TCP/IP connections that MySQL typically uses for client-server communication.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3077 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can completely incapacitate MySQL Server operations and potentially affect entire applications that depend on database connectivity. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk of operational downtime, which can translate into financial losses, service interruptions, and potential data loss if systems are not properly backed up. The vulnerability's ability to cause complete DOS conditions means that database services may become unavailable for extended periods, requiring manual intervention to restore normal operations. This type of attack directly violates the availability principles of the CIA triad and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 (Endpoint Denial of Service) or T1070.004 (Indicator Removal on Host). The high privilege requirement suggests that this vulnerability is most likely exploited by attackers who have already gained administrative access to the system or have obtained database administrative credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation is possible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3077 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to versions that have addressed the DDL processing flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to MySQL servers, ensuring that only authorized systems can connect to database services. Access controls should be strengthened through proper authentication mechanisms, including the use of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and least privilege principles. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in database operations or connection attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network firewalls should be configured to restrict MySQL server access to specific IP addresses or ranges, and all unnecessary network protocols should be disabled. Database administrators should implement regular backup procedures and ensure that disaster recovery plans include steps for handling MySQL server crashes or unavailability. Additionally, vulnerability scanning should be performed regularly to identify any remaining instances of affected MySQL versions within the organization's infrastructure, and security awareness training should be provided to database administrators to recognize potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new issues or breaking existing functionality.