CVE-2022-21278 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2022
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.26 and prior. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low 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 as well as unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 7.1 (Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-21278 represents a critical weakness within Oracle MySQL Server's optimizer component affecting versions 8.0.26 and earlier. This flaw resides in the server's query optimization logic which processes and executes database operations. The vulnerability is classified as easily exploitable due to its accessibility through multiple network protocols, requiring only low privileged user credentials and network connectivity to potentially compromise the target system. The attack vector specifically targets the server's optimization engine where malicious queries can be crafted to trigger the vulnerable code path.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain optimizer operations that can lead to memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the MySQL server to enter a state of indefinite hanging or repeatedly crash, effectively creating a denial of service condition that completely disrupts database operations. Additionally, the flaw allows for unauthorized modification of database contents through insert, update, and delete operations on specific data sets that the attacker has access to. This dual impact on availability and integrity aligns with the CVSS 3.1 scoring system which assigns a base score of 7.1, reflecting the significant risk posed by this vulnerability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial threat to database security and system stability. The low privilege requirement combined with network accessibility means that even users with minimal database permissions can potentially cause severe disruptions. The complete denial of service capability can result in extended downtime for applications dependent on MySQL services, while the unauthorized data modification capability can lead to data integrity violations and potential information leakage. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face immediate risk of system compromise and data corruption, particularly in environments where database access controls are not properly enforced.
Security mitigations for CVE-2022-21278 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to version 8.0.27 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the optimizer component vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict unnecessary network access to MySQL servers, particularly limiting direct database connections from untrusted networks. Database administrators should conduct thorough access control reviews to ensure that user privileges are properly restricted and that the principle of least privilege is enforced. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect anomalous database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date database systems and implementing comprehensive security controls around critical database infrastructure. The issue falls under CWE-121 which relates to stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques focusing on privilege escalation and denial of service operations that attackers can leverage to compromise database systems.