CVE-2019-2494 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DDL). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.13 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 • 06/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2494 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Server: DDL subcomponent. This flaw affects versions 8.0.13 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for database administrators and system operators who rely on MySQL for critical data operations. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical expertise can potentially leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is paramount. The affected version range suggests this issue was present in a specific release cycle of MySQL 8.0, which represents a major version update from previous MySQL 5.x series.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a flaw in the Data Definition Language processing within MySQL Server, which governs how database schema changes and structural modifications are handled. When an attacker with high privileges and network access attempts to execute specific DDL operations against the affected MySQL server, the system becomes vulnerable to a condition that can cause complete denial of service. The vulnerability operates through multiple network protocols, indicating that it is not limited to a single communication channel but can be exploited across various network interfaces that MySQL supports. This multi-protocol exploitation capability significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability more accessible to threat actors who may have varying levels of network access to target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly affects the availability of MySQL services, potentially causing complete system downtime or frequent crashes that can render database operations impossible. The CVSS 3.0 Base Score of 4.9 reflects the availability impact severity, with a high availability impact rating of A:H. This means that successful exploitation can result in persistent service disruption that may require manual intervention to restore normal operations. The vulnerability's potential to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash indicates that even a single successful attack can lead to extended periods of unavailability, which can be catastrophic for business-critical applications that depend on database connectivity. The requirement for a high privileged attacker suggests that the vulnerability may be more accessible to insiders or attackers who have already gained elevated access to the system, but the ease of exploitation means that once an attacker has sufficient privileges, they can quickly cause significant damage.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses "Improper Access to Resources via Universal Resource Identifier" and represents a weakness in how the MySQL server processes certain DDL operations that can lead to resource exhaustion or system instability. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to techniques involving service stoppage and availability disruption, specifically targeting the availability pillar of the CIA triad. The attack vector requiring network access via multiple protocols places this vulnerability in the context of network-based attacks that leverage existing access to execute destructive operations. The high privilege requirement indicates that this vulnerability is not typically exploitable by casual attackers but represents a serious concern for organizations that maintain elevated user accounts or have compromised privileged access that can be leveraged for destructive purposes. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest MySQL 8.0 versions, implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers, and establishing monitoring for unusual DDL operations that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper access controls to limit the potential impact of such availability-focused attacks.