CVE-2019-2738 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server : Compiling). Supported versions that are affected are 5.6.44 and prior, 5.7.26 and prior and 8.0.16 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 3.1 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2738 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server : Compiling subcomponent of Oracle MySQL database software. This issue affects multiple version ranges including 5.6.44 and earlier versions, 5.7.26 and prior releases, and 8.0.16 and earlier builds, representing a significant portion of the MySQL ecosystem that organizations rely upon for critical data management operations. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires some level of skill and knowledge to leverage, the attack surface remains accessible to determined threat actors who possess network access capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a flaw in how MySQL Server handles certain compilation processes, creating an avenue for unauthorized data access. Attackers with low privilege levels and network connectivity can potentially exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized read access to a subset of data that the MySQL Server has access to. This represents a significant confidentiality impact as the vulnerability allows for data exfiltration without requiring elevated privileges or direct system access. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns a base score of 3.1, reflecting the moderate severity of the vulnerability with a vector of AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N, which indicates network-based attack vector, high attack complexity, low privilege requirements, no user interaction, and limited confidentiality impact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can compromise the integrity of database operations and potentially expose sensitive information that organizations depend upon for business continuity. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple major MySQL versions suggests a widespread potential impact across enterprise environments, particularly those that have not yet upgraded to patched versions. Organizations utilizing MySQL Server for critical applications, including financial systems, customer databases, and operational data stores, face heightened risk from this vulnerability. The low privilege requirement means that even attackers with minimal access to the network can potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly concerning for environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to address the compilation-related vulnerability. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable MySQL versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit unnecessary network access to MySQL servers, while implementing robust monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a potential pathway for attackers to progress through the ATT&CK framework's initial access and credential access phases. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper vulnerability management processes to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in database systems.