CVE-2018-3081 in MySQL Client
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Client component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Client programs). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.60 and prior, 5.6.40 and prior, 5.7.22 and prior and 8.0.11 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Client. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Client as well as unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Client accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 5.0 (Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3081 resides within the MySQL Client component of Oracle MySQL, specifically affecting client programs that interface with the database system. This flaw exists in multiple version ranges including 5.5.60 and earlier, 5.6.40 and earlier, 5.7.22 and earlier, and 8.0.11 and earlier versions. The vulnerability represents a significant security concern as it affects the foundational client-side functionality that numerous applications rely upon for database connectivity and operations. The affected versions span across multiple major releases, indicating a widespread exposure that would impact organizations using various MySQL client implementations across their infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit suggests that while it requires specific conditions and privileges, the potential impact makes it a serious concern for database administrators and security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory handling within the MySQL client programs, which creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate client-side processes through network-based attacks. The CVSS score of 5.0 reflects the moderate severity level with integrity and availability impacts, where the primary concerns are unauthorized data modification and potential denial of service conditions. Attackers with high privileges and network access can leverage this vulnerability to cause complete denial of service by inducing hangs or frequent crashes in the MySQL client processes. Additionally, the vulnerability enables unauthorized modification of data through insert, update, or delete operations on accessible client-side data, effectively compromising data integrity. The attack vector requires network access and high privileges, suggesting that the vulnerability may be exploited through authenticated network connections or by attackers who have already gained elevated access to the network environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3081 extends beyond simple service disruption to include potential data corruption and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations relying on MySQL client applications face the risk of complete service outages when attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, potentially affecting multiple applications that depend on database connectivity. The ability to cause repeated crashes creates a persistent threat to system availability, while the unauthorized data modification capabilities could lead to significant data integrity issues that might go undetected for extended periods. The vulnerability affects both the availability and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, with the availability impact being particularly severe as it can cause complete system hangs and crashes. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004 (File Deletion) and T1499.004 (Endpoint Denial of Service) while also supporting credential compromise through data manipulation attacks. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version lines indicates that organizations maintaining legacy systems or those slow to patch may remain exposed for extended periods, creating ongoing security risk.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL client installations to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2018-3081. The vulnerability's classification as a high-privilege requirement suggests that organizations should focus on network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surfaces, particularly for systems running vulnerable MySQL client versions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual client process behavior and network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's relationship to CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) indicates that defensive measures should focus on input sanitization and boundary checking within client applications. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable client versions within the organization's infrastructure. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous client behavior or repeated crash patterns will help in early detection of potential exploitation attempts. The CVSS vector indicates that while the vulnerability requires high privileges, the potential for complete denial of service makes it a critical concern for organizations that cannot tolerate database service interruptions, particularly those in regulated industries where system availability is mission-critical.