CVE-2020-2770 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Logging). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.18 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 • 05/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2770 resides within the MySQL Server logging component of Oracle MySQL versions 8.0.18 and earlier, representing a significant availability risk that can be exploited by attackers with high privileges and network access. This flaw specifically targets the server's logging functionality, which is a critical component responsible for maintaining system integrity and audit trails. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical barriers can leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where MySQL servers handle sensitive data and business-critical operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how MySQL Server processes certain logging operations that can lead to system instability and complete denial of service conditions. When exploited, the vulnerability allows an attacker with elevated privileges to trigger conditions that cause the MySQL Server to hang or repeatedly crash, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad, as outlined in cybersecurity frameworks, and can be categorized under CWE-121 for buffer overflow conditions or CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflow, depending on the specific implementation details of the logging mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-2770 extends beyond simple service disruption, as database unavailability can cascade through entire enterprise systems that depend on MySQL for data persistence and transaction processing. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential business disruption, data access limitations, and increased operational overhead as administrators must respond to service outages and implement emergency patches. The CVSS 3.0 score of 4.9 indicates a moderate to high severity impact, particularly concerning the availability compromise that can affect mission-critical applications and services relying on database connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to version 8.0.19 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the logging component. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks, as the vulnerability requires network access from a high-privileged attacker. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in database server behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security audits should verify that all MySQL installations are updated to supported versions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499 sub-technique for Network Denial of Service, making it relevant for organizations implementing comprehensive threat hunting and incident response procedures.