CVE-2023-22032 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 8.0.34 and prior and 8.1.0. 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 • 05/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22032 resides within the MySQL Server optimizer component of Oracle MySQL database systems, affecting versions 8.0.34 and earlier, as well as version 8.1.0. This flaw represents a significant security concern as it operates within the core database engine's query optimization logic, which is fundamental to database operations and performance. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with high privileges and network access can leverage this weakness to compromise database systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database administrators maintain elevated access levels.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a flaw in the server's optimizer module that processes database queries and execution plans. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to trigger conditions that cause the MySQL Server to hang or repeatedly crash, resulting in a complete denial of service scenario. This occurs through manipulation of query execution paths or optimization decisions that lead to system instability. The vulnerability's impact is specifically categorized as availability impact, meaning it primarily affects the database's ability to provide service rather than compromising data confidentiality or integrity. The CVSS score of 4.9 reflects the moderate severity of the availability impact, with the vector indicating network accessibility, low attack complexity, high privileges required, and no user interaction needed for exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to database availability and business continuity. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential downtime and service disruption when attackers exploit this weakness, particularly in mission-critical applications where database availability is paramount. The complete denial of service condition can result in extended periods of database unavailability, affecting applications that depend on database operations. The requirement for high privileged access means that internal attackers or those who have gained administrative credentials within the database environment can exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for organizations where privilege escalation or insider threats are possible. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-400, concerning resource exhaustion vulnerabilities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with the attack tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically within the privilege escalation and denial of service categories. Attackers with sufficient privileges can craft malicious queries or optimization scenarios that trigger the flawed code path in the optimizer, leading to system instability. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect unusual query patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service interruption, as database downtime can cascade through dependent applications and services, potentially causing broader operational disruptions. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected MySQL versions, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to database servers, and enhanced monitoring of database system resources and query execution patterns.
Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of MySQL Server as soon as possible, particularly since the vulnerability affects multiple release branches and versions. The patching process should be carefully planned to minimize disruption to database operations while ensuring complete protection against the vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing database firewalls to restrict access to database ports, enabling detailed logging of database activities, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a high-privilege requirement means that organizations should also review their access controls and privilege management policies to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to database administrative functions. Security teams should also consider implementing automated alerting mechanisms that can detect system instability or unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.