CVE-2019-2530 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.13 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 • 06/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2530 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: Optimizer subcomponent. This flaw affects MySQL versions 8.0.13 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for database administrators and system operators. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with high privileges and network access can leverage this weakness to compromise the targeted MySQL server instances. The attack vector requires network connectivity and can be executed through multiple protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database servers are accessible over networks. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system rates this vulnerability with a base score of 4.9, which falls into the medium severity category, though the availability impact is rated as high at level 8.0, indicating the potential for severe disruption to database services.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw within the query optimizer module of MySQL Server, which is responsible for determining the most efficient execution plan for database queries. When an attacker exploits this vulnerability, they can manipulate the optimizer's behavior to cause the MySQL server to enter a state of hang or experience frequent crashes that can lead to complete denial of service. This type of attack directly targets the availability aspect of the database system, as the server becomes unusable for legitimate database operations. The flaw likely manifests when processing specific query patterns or optimizer decisions that trigger memory corruption or resource management issues within the server's execution engine. The high privilege requirement suggests that the attacker must already have elevated access rights to the database system, potentially including administrative or root-level permissions, though the network accessibility means that this elevated access can be achieved through various means such as compromised accounts or lateral movement within the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as database availability is fundamental to most enterprise applications and services. When a MySQL server experiences complete denial of service due to this vulnerability, it can affect numerous downstream applications that depend on database connectivity for their operations. Organizations may face significant downtime, data access interruptions, and potential business disruption depending on the criticality of their database-dependent services. The vulnerability's potential for causing frequent repeatable crashes makes it particularly problematic for systems that require high availability and reliability, as even brief periods of unavailability can cascade into larger operational issues. Additionally, the fact that this vulnerability affects the optimizer component means that attacks could potentially be executed against any query processing operations, making it difficult to predict or prevent all possible attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2530 should prioritize immediate patching and updates to MySQL Server versions beyond 8.0.13, as Oracle has addressed this vulnerability in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to ensure that database access is restricted to only those users and applications that absolutely require it, thereby limiting the potential impact of compromised accounts. Monitoring and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to detect unusual query patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify network traffic patterns consistent with this vulnerability's exploitation methods. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which describes buffer overflow conditions in database systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues within their database environments and ensure that their security posture remains resilient against evolving threats.