CVE-2020-14844 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2020
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: PS). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.21 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 3.1 Base Score 4.9 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/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 • 11/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14844 represents a significant availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.21 and earlier. This flaw resides in the Server: PS component of the MySQL ecosystem, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely heavily on database availability for their operational continuity. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical expertise can leverage this weakness, while the requirement for high privileged access suggests that the attack vector involves an authenticated user who has already established some level of system access. The attack surface extends across multiple network protocols, increasing the potential attack surface and making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple communication channels are available.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a flaw that can cause complete denial of service conditions within the MySQL Server environment. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to either cause the MySQL server to hang indefinitely or trigger crashes that occur repeatedly, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad, as it prevents authorized users from accessing critical database resources. The CVSS 3.1 scoring of 4.9 reflects the moderate severity level, though the availability impact rating of "high" indicates that the consequences of exploitation can be severe for database-dependent applications and services.
From an operational standpoint, the implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple service disruption to potentially affect business continuity and data availability. Organizations running MySQL Server versions prior to 8.0.22 face significant risk as the vulnerability can be leveraged to create sustained denial of service conditions that may require manual intervention to resolve. The requirement for high privileged access suggests that this vulnerability is more likely to be exploited by insiders or attackers who have already gained some level of system access through other means, making it particularly dangerous in environments where access controls may be insufficient or where privilege escalation has already occurred.
The attack patterns associated with CVE-2020-14844 align with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the "Denial of Service" category, specifically targeting database services and system availability. This vulnerability can be classified under CWE-400 as an Uncontrolled Resource Consumption, where the attacker's actions lead to resource exhaustion or system instability. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while also ensuring that all systems are regularly updated to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a high-privilege requirement does not diminish its severity, as it represents a significant risk to database availability and can be particularly damaging in mission-critical environments where database uptime is essential for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to MySQL Server version 8.0.22 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the flaw. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around database access and connection behavior. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for this specific vulnerability, and system administrators should maintain awareness of the potential for privilege-based attacks that could leverage this weakness. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege management practices can help reduce the likelihood of exploitation by limiting the number of users who possess the necessary privileges to trigger the vulnerability.