CVE-2018-3143 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: InnoDB). Supported versions that are affected are 5.6.41 and prior, 5.7.23 and prior and 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 • 05/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3143 resides within the InnoDB storage engine of Oracle MySQL database systems, representing a critical availability threat that affects multiple version branches including 5.6.41 and earlier, 5.7.23 and earlier, and 8.0.12 and earlier releases. This flaw demonstrates characteristics of a denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited by low privileged attackers who possess network access through various protocols, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of MySQL in enterprise environments. The vulnerability operates at the core storage engine level, specifically within InnoDB's handling of database operations that can lead to system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain database operations within the InnoDB storage engine that can trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific database queries or operations that cause the MySQL server process to enter an inconsistent state, resulting in either a complete system hang or repeated crashes that effectively render the database service unavailable. The CVSS score of 6.5 indicates a high severity threat with low attack complexity and requiring only low privileges, while the availability impact vector (A:H) confirms that successful exploitation results in complete system unavailability. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-400, related to resource exhaustion issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3143 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database infrastructures that rely on MySQL for critical business operations. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk of operational downtime, data access interruptions, and potential business continuity issues when this vulnerability is successfully exploited. The vulnerability's network accessibility means that attackers do not require physical access to the database server, making it particularly dangerous in cloud environments or shared hosting scenarios. The repeated crash scenario indicates that even a single successful exploitation attempt can cause sustained service degradation, as the MySQL server must be manually restarted to restore functionality, creating additional operational overhead for system administrators.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to the latest supported versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious database activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, making it a target for attackers seeking to disrupt database services. Additionally, implementing database firewalls and query monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they can cause system instability. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within database infrastructure, while maintaining up-to-date security patches across all database components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.