CVE-2023-21980 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/18/2023
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Client programs). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.41 and prior and 8.0.32 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of MySQL Server. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 7.1 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21980 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server's client programs component. This weakness affects multiple version ranges including MySQL 5.7.41 and earlier versions, as well as MySQL 8.0.32 and prior installations. The vulnerability operates within the broader context of database security where client-side applications serve as potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to compromise server integrity. The affected component specifically targets client programs that communicate with MySQL servers, making it particularly concerning for environments where database clients interact with server instances over network connections. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be successfully leveraged, the potential impact once achieved is severe enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the MySQL client programs that process network requests from external sources. The flaw manifests when client applications receive malformed or specially crafted data through various network protocols, potentially allowing unauthorized access to server resources. The CVSS score of 7.1 reflects the severity of the potential compromise, with high impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains. The attack vector requires network access from a low privileged attacker, meaning that someone without elevated privileges could potentially exploit this weakness. The complexity factor of high (AC:H) indicates that the attack requires specific conditions or knowledge that make it more challenging to execute successfully, while the user interaction requirement (UI:R) suggests that some form of human involvement or specific circumstances must be present for the attack to succeed. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which covers improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how client-side processing can create server-side compromise opportunities.
The operational impact of successfully exploiting CVE-2023-21980 could result in complete takeover of the MySQL Server instance, which would fundamentally compromise the entire database infrastructure. This level of compromise allows attackers to gain full control over database operations, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of critical database content, and complete service disruption. The availability impact is particularly severe as attackers could render database services unusable through various attack vectors. Organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions face substantial risk of unauthorized data access, which could include sensitive customer information, financial records, or proprietary business data. The integrity impact extends beyond simple data modification to include potential corruption of database structures and loss of data consistency. The confidentiality implications are equally concerning, as attackers could access protected database content that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to the latest supported versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of MySQL services to only necessary network segments and authorized clients. The principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, ensuring that client applications and users have only the minimum required permissions to perform their functions. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns of communication with MySQL servers that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify potential attack vectors and ensure that their defensive measures remain effective. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, highlighting the need for comprehensive network security controls. Regular vulnerability scanning and patch management processes should be enhanced to ensure rapid identification and remediation of similar vulnerabilities in the database infrastructure.