CVE-2020-2933 in MySQL Connectors
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Connectors product of Oracle MySQL (component: Connector/J). Supported versions that are affected are 5.1.48 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Connectors. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of MySQL Connectors. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 2.2 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2933 affects Oracle MySQL Connectors, specifically the Connector/J component that facilitates Java applications to connect to MySQL databases. This issue resides within MySQL Connectors version 5.1.48 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for organizations relying on Java-based database connectivity. The vulnerability operates within the broader context of database security frameworks where connector components serve as critical interfaces between application layers and database systems, making them prime targets for exploitation attempts.
The technical flaw manifests as a weakness in the authentication and connection handling mechanisms of the MySQL Connector/J, allowing attackers with high privileges and network access to compromise the connector functionality. This vulnerability operates through multiple network protocols, increasing its attack surface and making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems. The exploit difficulty classification as "hard to exploit" indicates that while the attack requires significant privileges and network access, the underlying implementation flaw creates a pathway for unauthorized access that can be leveraged by determined adversaries. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and its alignment with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 (Password Cracking) demonstrates how authentication weaknesses can lead to unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple availability concerns, as successful exploitation can result in partial denial of service conditions that affect database connectivity and application functionality. Organizations utilizing affected MySQL Connectors may experience disruptions in their database access patterns, potentially leading to application downtime or reduced service availability. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 2.2 reflects the relatively low to moderate severity impact, yet the partial denial of service capability represents a meaningful operational risk that can affect business continuity. The availability impact score of 2.2 indicates that while the vulnerability may not completely disable the system, it can significantly impair the connector's ability to maintain consistent database connections. The CVSS vector analysis reveals that the attack requires network access with high privileges, suggesting that the vulnerability is more likely to be exploited by insiders or attackers who have already gained some level of system access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version upgrades to MySQL Connector/J versions beyond 5.1.48, as this represents the most direct solution to address the underlying implementation flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized systems can access database connector components. The implementation of network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual connection patterns or authentication attempts provides additional layers of defense. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing affected connector versions and establish patch management procedures to ensure timely remediation. Regular security audits of database connectivity components help maintain awareness of potential vulnerabilities and ensure that security controls remain effective against evolving threat landscapes.