CVE-2019-2797 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Client programs). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.26 and prior and 8.0.16 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows high privileged attacker with access to the physical communication segment attached to the hardware where the MySQL Server executes 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 4.2 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:A/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2797 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL, specifically affecting client programs within the system architecture. This issue impacts both version 5.7.26 and earlier releases, as well as 8.0.16 and prior versions, creating a significant concern for database administrators managing these systems. The vulnerability operates at a network level, requiring an attacker with physical access to the communication segment connected to the MySQL Server hardware, which represents a specific but potentially dangerous attack vector. The affected subsystem falls under the broader category of database server security, where client program vulnerabilities can create pathways for system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests as a condition that allows for a denial of service attack through carefully crafted network communications. When exploited, this vulnerability enables an attacker to cause the MySQL Server to hang or repeatedly crash, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users. The exploit difficulty classification as "hard to exploit" suggests that while the attack requires specific conditions, including physical network access, the potential impact remains severe enough to warrant immediate attention. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, where malformed or specially constructed client communications can trigger the server's instability, potentially leading to complete system unavailability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can result in complete denial of service conditions that may require manual intervention to restore normal operations. The availability impact score of 4.2 on the CVSS 3.0 scale indicates a moderate severity threat that could significantly affect business operations, particularly in environments where database availability is critical for system functionality. The attack vector requires local network access, meaning that an attacker must be physically present on the same network segment as the target server, which reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of network-based attacks that exploit weaknesses in client-server communication protocols.
The security implications of CVE-2019-2797 align with common attack patterns found in the ATT&CK framework, particularly within the privilege escalation and denial of service categories. The vulnerability requires high privilege access to the physical communication segment, which corresponds to the attacker's need to establish a foothold on the network infrastructure. From a CWE perspective, this issue relates to weakness categories involving input validation and resource management within network protocols. The attack scenario represents a sophisticated approach that combines physical access with network-level exploitation, creating a multi-layered threat that requires comprehensive security controls. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit physical access to critical infrastructure, while also ensuring that database systems are properly patched and monitored for signs of exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should focus on network access control and physical security measures, as the vulnerability requires physical presence on the network segment to exploit effectively. System administrators should implement robust network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and ensure that all MySQL installations are updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability. The recommended approach includes maintaining current patch levels, implementing network segmentation to isolate database servers, and establishing incident response procedures that can quickly address potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious network activities targeting database services, particularly those that might indicate attempts to exploit known vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-2797.