CVE-2018-3280 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: JSON). 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-2018-3280 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically affecting the Server: JSON subcomponent. This issue impacts MySQL versions 8.0.12 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for database administrators and organizations relying on MySQL infrastructure. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the database server's JSON processing capabilities, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt service availability. The affected version range indicates this flaw was present in the 8.0 series before the 8.0.13 release, suggesting a relatively recent introduction of the vulnerability within the MySQL product lifecycle.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as an easily exploitable flaw that requires minimal prerequisites for successful exploitation. An attacker with high privileges and network access through multiple protocols can leverage this weakness to compromise the MySQL Server instance. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that the attack vector does not require complex techniques or extensive reconnaissance, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation has already occurred. The attack surface includes multiple network protocols, suggesting that the vulnerability affects various communication channels that MySQL servers typically utilize for client connections and data exchange.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially cause complete denial of service conditions. Successful exploitation results in the ability to either hang the MySQL Server or induce frequently repeatable crashes, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This type of impact directly violates the availability principles of the CIA triad, as outlined in cybersecurity frameworks and standards such as those referenced in CWE-400. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 4.9 reflects the moderate severity of the availability impact, with the vector indicating network access (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), high privilege requirements (PR:H), and no user interaction (UI:N). The score emphasizes that while the attack requires elevated privileges, the ease of execution and potential for complete service disruption make this vulnerability particularly concerning.
The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the availability impact category, specifically targeting database service availability through resource exhaustion or process termination. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface assessment, particularly in environments where database servers are accessible over networks and where privilege escalation has occurred. The combination of high privilege requirements and network accessibility suggests that this vulnerability is more likely to be exploited in scenarios involving insider threats or compromised administrative accounts. The vulnerability's impact on server stability and availability makes it a critical concern for business continuity and data access availability.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to 8.0.13 or later, as this represents the first release that addresses the identified flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized administrative users can access database servers. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns of server crashes or hangs that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest that defensive measures should include regular security assessments of database environments and implementation of principle of least privilege access controls. Organizations should also maintain detailed audit logs of administrative activities and database server access to facilitate incident response and forensic analysis if exploitation occurs.