CVE-2018-3285 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Windows). 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-2018-3285 represents a significant availability risk within Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.12 and earlier, specifically affecting the Windows implementation. This weakness resides within the server component of the MySQL database system, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely heavily on database availability for their operational continuity. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with relatively high privileges and network access can leverage this flaw without requiring extensive technical expertise or specialized tools. The attack vector involves multiple network protocols, which expands the potential attack surface and makes the vulnerability more accessible to threat actors who may be monitoring network traffic for such opportunities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a condition that can lead to complete denial of service scenarios within the MySQL Server environment. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to either cause the MySQL server to hang indefinitely or trigger repeatedly occurring crashes that effectively render the database service unavailable. This type of weakness falls under the category of availability impact vulnerabilities, which specifically target the fundamental principle of ensuring systems remain accessible and operational. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 4.9 reflects the moderate severity of this vulnerability, with the high availability impact and low access complexity contributing to its overall risk assessment. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-119, which addresses improper access to memory locations, and represents a specific instance where memory management or process handling failures lead to system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3285 extends beyond simple service disruption, as database unavailability can cascade through entire organizational systems that depend on MySQL for data persistence and retrieval. Organizations utilizing MySQL Server for critical business applications face potential revenue loss, operational delays, and customer service degradation when this vulnerability is exploited. The requirement for high privileged access suggests that the vulnerability may be more commonly exploited by insiders or attackers who have already gained elevated credentials within the network environment. This aspect of the vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous in scenarios where privilege escalation has occurred or where administrative accounts have been compromised. The repeated crash capability indicates that even a single successful exploitation attempt could lead to sustained service disruption unless immediate remediation measures are implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3285 should prioritize the immediate application of Oracle's security patches and updates to MySQL Server versions 8.0.13 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be reinforced to limit the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to privileged network resources. Implementing robust monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns of database service disruption or network activity related to MySQL processes will aid in early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify network protocols attempting to exploit this specific vulnerability pattern. The remediation approach should align with industry best practices outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on defense in depth strategies that include network security controls, privileged access management, and continuous monitoring of database server availability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar weaknesses are not present in other database components or related systems within the organization's infrastructure.