CVE-2019-2801 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: FTS). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.16 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 • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2801 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Full-Text Search (FTS) subcomponent of Oracle MySQL. This flaw affects all supported versions up to and including 8.0.16, representing a significant security concern for database administrators and system operators. The vulnerability operates at the server level and demonstrates characteristics that make it particularly dangerous in environments where database availability is critical for business operations. The affected MySQL Server component is responsible for processing full-text search queries, which are commonly used in applications requiring text-based data retrieval and indexing capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as an easily exploitable flaw that requires minimal prerequisites for successful exploitation. An attacker with high privileges and network access through multiple protocols can leverage this weakness to compromise the target MySQL Server instance. The vulnerability's exploitability classification as "easily exploitable" indicates that the attack vector is straightforward and does not require advanced technical skills or specialized tools beyond what is typically available to privileged attackers. The attack surface extends across multiple network protocols, suggesting that the vulnerability can be exploited regardless of the specific communication method used to access the database server. This multi-protocol accessibility significantly broadens the potential attack scenarios and makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for environments with diverse network configurations.
The operational impact of successfully exploiting CVE-2019-2801 results in a complete denial of service condition that can cause the MySQL Server to either hang indefinitely or experience frequently repeatable crashes. This availability impact represents a critical concern for database systems that require continuous uptime and reliable operation. The vulnerability's potential to cause complete system unavailability can severely disrupt business operations, particularly in environments where database services are fundamental to application functionality. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 4.9 reflects the moderate to high severity of the availability impact, with the attack vector being network-based and the privilege requirements being high but achievable for attackers who have already gained elevated access to the system. The vulnerability's classification under CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H indicates that network access is required, the attack complexity is low, the attacker must possess high privileges, and there is no user interaction required.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple service disruption to represent a potential threat to database integrity and business continuity. Organizations relying on MySQL for critical applications face significant risk from this vulnerability, particularly when considering that the affected versions include the most recent stable releases at the time of discovery. The high privilege requirement suggests that the vulnerability is most likely to be exploited by attackers who have already gained access to the system through other means, making it a potential tool for privilege escalation or further system compromise. The availability impact of complete system crashes or hangs can result in substantial downtime costs and may require extensive recovery procedures to restore normal database operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which covers "Improper Access to Memory Location" and represents a classic example of memory corruption leading to denial of service conditions. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the "Denial of Service" category, specifically targeting database services and system availability. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as soon as possible, particularly in environments where database availability is critical for business operations, and should consider implementing additional monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date database software and following security best practices to prevent attackers from leveraging known weaknesses in database systems.