CVE-2023-22026 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.42 and prior and 8.0.31 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).
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22026 resides within the MySQL Server optimizer component of Oracle MySQL database systems, representing a critical availability threat that affects multiple version ranges including 5.7.42 and earlier releases as well as 8.0.31 and prior versions. This flaw demonstrates characteristics of an easily exploitable vulnerability that requires minimal prerequisites for successful exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is paramount. The vulnerability specifically targets the server optimizer module, which is responsible for query execution planning and optimization within the MySQL architecture, positioning it as a core component that directly influences database performance and stability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a condition that can cause complete denial of service through either a hang or repeated crashes of the MySQL Server process. This occurs when an attacker with high privilege levels and network access attempts to exploit the optimizer component through multiple network protocols, including but not limited to TCP/IP connections. The vulnerability's impact is characterized by a CVSS base score of 4.9, which classifies it as a medium severity issue with significant availability implications. The CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H) indicates that the attack requires network access with high privileges but does not need user interaction, and the attack surface is expanded across multiple protocols, making the exploitation relatively straightforward for determined attackers.
From an operational perspective, the consequences of successful exploitation can be severe for database-dependent applications and services. When a MySQL Server crashes or becomes unresponsive due to this vulnerability, it results in complete service disruption that affects all applications relying on that database instance. The repeated nature of the crashes means that even if a system administrator manages to restart the service temporarily, the vulnerability can cause the service to become unavailable again, leading to persistent operational issues. This type of denial of service attack directly impacts business continuity and can cause significant financial losses due to extended downtime periods, particularly in mission-critical environments where database availability is essential for operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Oracle, which address the specific optimizer component flaw in affected MySQL versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit privileged network access to database servers, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of database crashes or service interruptions that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing database firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering database traffic for suspicious patterns that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which describes weaknesses in the storage of data that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption issues, and represents a potential entry point for attackers following the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and denial of service tactics.