CVE-2021-2215 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/23/2021
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Stored Procedure). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.23 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 • 04/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-2215 represents a critical availability issue within Oracle MySQL Server's stored procedure component. This flaw exists in MySQL versions 8.0.23 and earlier, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of this database platform across enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with high privileges and network access can leverage this weakness to compromise the affected MySQL server instances. The attack vector operates through multiple network protocols, providing attackers with flexible means of exploitation while maintaining the requirement for elevated privileges to successfully execute the attack.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of stored procedures within the MySQL Server architecture, specifically within the server component responsible for executing stored procedures. When exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to cause complete denial of service conditions by inducing hangs or repeatedly crashing the MySQL server process. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-119, which addresses memory safety issues, and specifically relates to improper access to memory locations during stored procedure execution. The flaw demonstrates a critical weakness in input validation and resource management within the stored procedure processing pipeline, where maliciously crafted stored procedure calls can trigger system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as the complete denial of service condition can severely impact business operations relying on MySQL databases. Organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions face potential downtime and data accessibility issues that can cascade through dependent applications and services. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.9 reflects the availability impact severity, while the vector analysis shows low attack complexity and high privilege requirements. The vulnerability's potential to cause frequent crashes or hangs makes it particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is critical for business operations, potentially leading to extended service interruptions and data processing delays that can affect multiple downstream systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-2215 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to version 8.0.24 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit privileged network access to MySQL servers, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The implementation of monitoring solutions that can detect unusual crash patterns or service disruptions related to MySQL processes provides early warning capabilities for exploitation attempts. Additionally, database administrators should conduct regular security assessments of stored procedure implementations and maintain strict access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of database objects that could facilitate exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous network traffic patterns associated with multiple protocol access attempts to MySQL server instances. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service, emphasizes the importance of maintaining robust network security controls and monitoring for service disruption attempts.