CVE-2018-3286 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Security: Privileges). 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 update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.3 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3286 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's privilege management system, specifically affecting versions 8.0.12 and earlier. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in the database server's access control mechanisms, where insufficient privilege validation allows attackers to escalate their privileges through network-based attacks. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of privilege escalation issues and aligns with CWE-269 which addresses inadequate privilege management in database systems. The affected component specifically relates to the Server: Security: Privileges subcomponent, indicating that the core issue stems from how MySQL handles user permissions and access controls within its security framework.
The technical nature of this vulnerability enables low-privileged attackers to exploit network protocols to gain unauthorized access to database operations. The CVSS score of 4.3 reflects the integrity impact severity, where attackers can perform unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations on MySQL Server accessible data. This represents a critical compromise of data integrity as the attacker can modify database contents without proper authorization. The vulnerability's exploitability is rated as easily exploitable due to the combination of network access requirements and low privilege prerequisites, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database servers are accessible over networks. The attack vector is classified as network-based with low access complexity and low privilege requirements, meaning that even users with minimal database permissions can potentially compromise the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3286 extends beyond simple data manipulation to potentially undermine the entire database security posture. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to modify critical database content, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized data access, or complete system compromise. The affected scope includes data that is accessible through the MySQL Server, which could encompass sensitive information, user credentials, financial records, or any other data stored within the vulnerable database instances. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk of unauthorized data modification, which could result in business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where database integrity is paramount and where unauthorized modifications could have cascading effects throughout connected applications and systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3286 should focus on 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 attackers. Regular security audits and privilege reviews should be conducted to ensure that users maintain only the minimum necessary permissions for their operational requirements. Database administrators should implement additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts or modifications to database content. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems and database activity monitoring solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1484 for privilege escalation highlights the need for comprehensive security controls that address both account management and access control mechanisms within database environments.