CVE-2019-2534 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Replication). Supported versions that are affected are 5.6.42 and prior, 5.7.24 and prior and 8.0.13 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 access to critical data or complete access to all MySQL Server accessible data as well as unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.1 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2534 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: Replication subcomponent of Oracle MySQL database systems. This security flaw affects multiple version ranges including 5.6.42 and earlier, 5.7.24 and earlier, and 8.0.13 and earlier releases, making it a widespread issue across the MySQL ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can potentially compromise affected systems. The attack vector operates through multiple network protocols, providing attackers with various pathways to exploit the weakness. This vulnerability represents a significant threat to database security as it enables unauthorized access to critical data and allows for unauthorized modification of database contents. The CVSS 3.0 score of 7.1 reflects the severity of the impact, with high confidentiality impact and low integrity impact, indicating that the primary concern is unauthorized data disclosure rather than data modification. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques such as T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) when considering how attackers might discover and exploit the vulnerable replication functionality.
The technical flaw manifests in the replication mechanism of MySQL Server where insufficient access controls allow low privileged attackers to gain unauthorized access to database contents. The vulnerability specifically impacts the replication functionality which is critical for database synchronization and backup operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to achieve unauthorized access to all data accessible through the MySQL Server, potentially compromising entire database systems. The attack requires only network access and low privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers who have minimal system access. The replication component's design flaw allows attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms, creating a backdoor into the database system. This issue can result in complete data compromise as attackers can read all database contents, and in some cases, modify or delete data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential data corruption and system compromise, as the replication functionality often operates with elevated privileges to perform synchronization tasks. The low access complexity and lack of user interaction requirements make this vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where replication is commonly used.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2534 extends far beyond simple data exposure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential system-wide consequences. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk of data breaches, where confidential information including customer data, financial records, and proprietary business information could be accessed by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability's ability to provide unauthorized update, insert, or delete access means that attackers can not only read data but also modify database contents, potentially leading to data corruption or manipulation that could affect business operations. In enterprise environments where MySQL replication is used for disaster recovery and data synchronization, this vulnerability could compromise entire data infrastructure. The impact is particularly severe in regulated industries where data protection and integrity are paramount, as this vulnerability could lead to compliance violations and regulatory penalties. Organizations may experience service disruption, loss of customer confidence, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized data access. The vulnerability affects database administrators' ability to maintain proper access controls, as the flaw exists at the replication layer where normal security boundaries are bypassed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2534 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to the latest secure releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to MySQL replication ports and services, limiting exposure to only trusted networks and systems. Access controls should be strengthened through proper user privilege management, ensuring that replication accounts have the minimum required permissions. Regular monitoring of database access logs should be implemented to detect unauthorized replication activities and potential exploitation attempts. Network intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on suspicious replication protocol traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Database administrators should review and audit replication configurations to ensure that only necessary systems have replication access. The implementation of network access control lists and proper authentication mechanisms for replication connections can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous replication behavior and potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in database infrastructure. The mitigation approach should align with industry best practices for database security and incorporate elements of defense in depth to protect against various attack vectors that could exploit similar weaknesses in database replication mechanisms.