CVE-2023-22048 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2023
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Pluggable Auth). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.33 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 3.1 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22048 resides within the MySQL Server pluggable authentication component, representing a significant security weakness in Oracle MySQL versions 8.0.33 and earlier. This flaw operates at the authentication layer where MySQL Server handles user authentication and authorization processes through its pluggable authentication framework. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's ability to properly validate authentication requests, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to database resources. The affected component operates as a critical subsystem within MySQL's security architecture, managing how authentication plugins interact with the core server functionality.
This vulnerability represents a low-privilege authentication bypass that can be exploited through multiple network protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where MySQL servers are accessible over networks. The attack vector requires only network access from a low-privilege attacker, which significantly reduces the barrier to exploitation. The CVSS score of 3.1 reflects the limited impact scope, specifically targeting confidentiality rather than integrity or availability, indicating that successful exploitation would primarily result in unauthorized data reading rather than data modification or system disruption. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit suggests that while it can be leveraged by determined attackers, it requires specific conditions and may not be easily automated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it allows attackers to access a subset of MySQL Server accessible data without proper authentication. This subset access could include sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, financial records, or other confidential database content depending on the specific MySQL instance configuration. The compromise occurs at the authentication layer, meaning that even if proper access controls are in place for the database itself, the vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass these protections through manipulated authentication requests. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential exposure to data leakage incidents that could impact regulatory compliance, customer privacy, and business operations.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server instances to address this vulnerability, as the CVSS vector indicates the attack requires minimal privileges and network access. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) aligns with the broader category of authentication weaknesses that consistently rank among the most exploited security flaws in database systems. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, particularly for MySQL servers accessible over public networks. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) as attackers might leverage it to establish persistent access or enumerate database resources. Additionally, monitoring for unusual authentication patterns and implementing robust network monitoring solutions can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should include checking for outdated MySQL installations to prevent similar issues in the future.