CVE-2018-3137 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.12 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 • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3137 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: Optimizer subcomponent. This flaw affects MySQL versions 8.0.12 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for database administrators and system operators. The vulnerability operates at the core optimization layer of the database server, where query execution plans are processed and optimized for performance. The affected optimizer component is responsible for analyzing and executing database queries, making it a critical element in the database's operational flow. This designation places the vulnerability squarely within the realm of database server infrastructure security, where issues can cascade into broader system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as an exploitable flaw that can be triggered by low privileged attackers who possess network access through multiple protocols. The attack vector requires network connectivity, enabling remote exploitation without requiring physical access to the system. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that the attack mechanisms do not require sophisticated techniques or extensive reconnaissance, making it particularly dangerous in production environments. The underlying flaw likely involves improper handling of specific query optimization scenarios that can cause the server's optimization engine to enter an unstable state. This instability can be triggered through carefully crafted database queries or optimization parameters that exploit memory management issues or control flow problems within the optimizer's implementation.
The operational impact of successful exploitation results in complete denial of service conditions where the MySQL Server experiences either a hang or frequent crashes that are repeatable. This availability impact represents a severe degradation of service that can disrupt database operations and application functionality. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.5 indicates a medium to high severity level, with the availability impact receiving the highest weighting factor. The complete DOS condition means that database services become unavailable, potentially affecting multiple applications that depend on the database for their operations. This disruption can lead to cascading failures in application systems, data loss, and significant business interruption. The vulnerability's potential for causing repeated crashes makes it particularly problematic as attackers can maintain persistent disruption of services without requiring extensive resources or time to re-exploit the flaw.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of their MySQL installations to versions 8.0.13 or later where the issue has been resolved. The patch addresses the underlying optimization engine flaw that allows for the exploitation scenario. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit unnecessary network access to MySQL services, particularly for low privilege accounts. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual database behavior or connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows, though the specific implementation details would determine the exact classification. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 for network denial of service and potentially T1566 for initial access through network protocols, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security teams.
The broader implications extend beyond immediate service disruption to include potential data integrity concerns and system availability requirements. Database administrators should implement comprehensive backup strategies and disaster recovery procedures to mitigate the impact of such denial of service conditions. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for MySQL installations to identify unpatched systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database software and implementing proper access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts before they result in service disruption. The ease of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where MySQL servers are exposed to untrusted networks or where access controls are not properly implemented.