CVE-2023-22053 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2023
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Client programs). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.42 and prior and 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 ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Server and unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 5.9 (Confidentiality and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22053 affects Oracle MySQL Server's client programs component and represents a significant security weakness that impacts multiple versions including 5.7.42 and earlier, as well as 8.0.33 and prior releases. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when software attempts to access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries. The flaw manifests in client programs that interact with MySQL Server, creating potential attack vectors through network protocols that allow low-privileged attackers to exploit the system. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack requires some technical knowledge and access to network resources, it remains a serious concern for database security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions against MySQL Server instances by leveraging network access through multiple protocols. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability can cause complete denial of service conditions where the MySQL Server becomes unresponsive or crashes repeatedly, effectively rendering database services unavailable to legitimate users. Additionally, the exploit allows unauthorized read access to portions of data that should normally be protected, creating potential data leakage scenarios that compromise confidentiality. The CVSS 3.1 scoring system rates this vulnerability at 5.9, indicating a medium severity level that combines moderate confidentiality impact with high availability impact. The attack vector requires network access with low privileges and no user interaction, making it particularly concerning for environments where network exposure is common.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2023-22053 extends beyond simple service disruption to include potential data compromise that could affect business continuity and regulatory compliance. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face the risk of service interruptions that could impact applications dependent on database availability, while the unauthorized data access capability creates exposure for sensitive information stored within the database systems. The vulnerability's presence in both major MySQL versions demonstrates the widespread nature of the issue and suggests that organizations across different deployment scenarios may be affected. Security teams must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns, particularly in environments where MySQL servers are exposed to external networks without proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-22053 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest supported versions of MySQL Server, which address the underlying client program flaws. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The implementation of network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify anomalous access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments should include scanning for this specific vulnerability across all database systems, particularly those with network exposure. Additionally, security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that MySQL services are not running with unnecessary privileges and that proper authentication mechanisms are in place. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1210 technique for exploitation of remote services, making it important for security teams to consider this in their threat modeling and incident response planning. Organizations should also establish procedures for rapid patch deployment and system restoration in case of successful exploitation, ensuring business continuity and minimizing potential data loss.