CVE-2018-3182 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DML). 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).
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3182 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's DML (Data Manipulation Language) subsystem, specifically affecting versions 8.0.12 and earlier. This represents a significant security weakness that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw manifests in how MySQL processes certain DML operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with minimal privileges. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers do not require advanced technical skills or specialized tools to capitalize on this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where MySQL servers are accessible over networks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of data manipulation operations within the MySQL server's core processing mechanisms. When subjected to maliciously crafted DML statements, the server exhibits behavior that leads to memory corruption or resource exhaustion, ultimately resulting in denial of service conditions. The attack vector requires only network access through multiple protocols, suggesting that the vulnerability can be exploited across various communication channels that MySQL supports. This accessibility factor significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to disrupt database services without requiring elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns a base score of 6.5, with the availability impact component rated as high, reflecting the potential for complete service disruption through repeated exploitation.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2018-3182 can lead to complete denial of service conditions where the MySQL server becomes unresponsive or crashes repeatedly. This type of attack directly impacts business continuity and can result in significant downtime for applications that depend on database availability. The vulnerability's ability to cause frequent crashes means that even a single successful exploitation attempt could render the database service unusable until manual intervention occurs. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face the risk of extended service interruptions that can cascade through dependent systems, potentially causing widespread operational disruption. The low privilege requirement for exploitation means that attackers with minimal access rights can still cause substantial damage, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for environments with less restrictive access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3182 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL server installations to version 8.0.13 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of database connection attempts or resource consumption that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious traffic patterns associated with this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level firewalls and database activity monitoring tools that can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that the security update does not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or database operations. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database infrastructure and ensure comprehensive security coverage across all database systems.