CVE-2018-3186 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 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. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.9 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/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-2018-3186 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: Optimizer subcomponent, affecting versions 8.0.12 and earlier. This represents a significant security concern as it targets the core query optimization engine that processes database operations. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though in this case the impact manifests through denial of service rather than direct code execution. The affected MySQL Server versions represent a critical attack surface since the optimizer is invoked during every query execution, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for database environments where availability is paramount.
The technical flaw manifests as an exploitable condition that allows a high-privileged attacker with network access to compromise the MySQL Server through multiple protocols. This vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the database engine's query processing pipeline, where the optimizer component handles complex query transformations and execution planning. The attack vector requires network access, suggesting that the vulnerability can be exploited from external networks, though it necessitates high privileges within the MySQL system itself. This privilege requirement indicates that the vulnerability likely involves an authenticated session or administrative access, making it more challenging to exploit but still potentially devastating if an attacker gains sufficient access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly affects system availability through complete denial of service conditions. Successful exploitation results in unauthorized ability to cause either a hang or frequently repeatable crash of the MySQL Server, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This complete denial of service scenario can have cascading effects throughout enterprise environments where MySQL serves as a critical backend service for applications, web services, and business-critical systems. The CVSS 3.0 Base Score of 4.9 reflects the availability impact, with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H indicating that network-based attacks with low complexity and high privileges can trigger this vulnerability, resulting in high availability impact.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers "Endpoint Denial of Service," where attackers target database services to disrupt business operations. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as database downtime can affect multiple dependent systems, potentially causing widespread operational disruption. Organizations utilizing MySQL 8.0.12 or earlier versions should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest supported versions, implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers, and establishing robust monitoring for unusual database behavior patterns. Additionally, privilege management should be strictly enforced, ensuring that only necessary administrative accounts have access to the database server, as the vulnerability requires high privileges to exploit effectively. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched environments to ensure compatibility with existing database applications and workflows, while also implementing proper incident response procedures to quickly detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.