CVE-2018-3171 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Partition). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.23 and prior and 8.0.12 and prior. Difficult to exploit 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 as well as unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Server 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 • 05/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3171 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: Partition subcomponent, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple versions of Oracle MySQL. This flaw manifests in the partitioning functionality of the database server, where the vulnerability allows for potentially severe consequences when exploited by malicious actors. The affected versions include all releases up to and including 5.7.23 and 8.0.12, indicating a broad impact across the MySQL ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit suggests that while the attack vector requires specific conditions, the potential damage remains substantial.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of partitioned tables within the MySQL server architecture, creating a scenario where an attacker with high privileges and network access can manipulate the database server's behavior. The attack requires the adversary to possess elevated privileges and network connectivity, which aligns with the CVSS vector showing high privilege requirements and network access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data integrity issues, as it can lead to complete denial of service conditions where the MySQL server becomes unresponsive or crashes repeatedly. This behavior directly corresponds to the availability impact component of the CVSS score, which rates the vulnerability at 5.0 with high availability impact.
The operational consequences of successfully exploiting CVE-2018-3171 can be devastating for database administrators and organizations relying on MySQL infrastructure. The vulnerability enables unauthorized modification of data through update, insert, or delete operations on accessible database partitions, creating potential data integrity breaches. Additionally, the ability to cause repeated crashes or hangs represents a complete denial of service scenario that can severely disrupt database operations and business continuity. Organizations utilizing MySQL servers in production environments face significant risk if this vulnerability remains unpatched, particularly in scenarios where database availability and data integrity are mission-critical.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited context, and may relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service. The CVSS scoring indicates a moderate severity level with particular emphasis on integrity and availability impacts. Organizations must prioritize patching affected systems to mitigate this vulnerability, as the combination of high privilege requirements with network access creates a realistic threat scenario. The vulnerability's presence in both major MySQL versions demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Proper access controls and network segmentation can provide additional layers of defense while awaiting official patches from Oracle to address this specific partitioning flaw.