CVE-2020-2924 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.19 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-2020-2924 resides within the MySQL Server optimizer component of Oracle MySQL, affecting versions 8.0.19 and earlier. This issue represents a significant security concern as it operates within the core database engine's query optimization logic, which is fundamental to database operations. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical barriers can leverage this flaw, particularly when they possess high-privileged network access to the target system. The attack vector through multiple protocols suggests that the vulnerability could be exploited across various network communication channels, increasing its potential impact surface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in how the MySQL Server optimizer handles specific query execution paths, leading to a condition where maliciously crafted queries can trigger a denial of service scenario. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability enables attackers to cause either a complete hang or a frequently repeatable crash of the MySQL Server instance, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users. This behavior directly maps to the availability impact category as defined by the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, where the CVSS base score of 4.9 reflects the severity of the availability compromise. The attack requires high privileges but does not necessitate user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where attackers might have elevated network access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as database downtime can cascade into broader business continuity issues. Organizations relying on MySQL for critical applications face potential revenue loss, data access interruptions, and operational delays when such a vulnerability is successfully exploited. The complete denial of service condition means that legitimate database users cannot access their data until the server is manually restarted, which may not be immediately possible in production environments. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where MySQL servers are critical infrastructure components, and the lack of user interaction requirements reduces the complexity for attackers to execute successful attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-2924 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to versions that contain the fix for this optimizer-related vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to MySQL servers and enforce strict access controls to reduce the attack surface. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual query patterns or repeated connection attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing database firewalls and query filtering mechanisms can help identify and block potentially malicious queries before they can trigger the vulnerability. The vulnerability's mapping to CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and its alignment with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 (Endpoint Denial of Service) highlights the fundamental nature of the flaw as a memory operation boundary violation that leads to service disruption. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues within database environments, as this vulnerability demonstrates how core database components can be targeted to achieve complete service denial.