CVE-2023-22095 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Optimizer). The supported version that is affected is 8.1.0. Easily exploitable 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. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 6.5 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22095 represents a significant availability risk within Oracle MySQL Server version 8.1.0, specifically within the Server: Optimizer component. This flaw manifests as an easily exploitable weakness that can be leveraged by low-privileged attackers who possess network access through multiple communication protocols. The vulnerability's classification as a complete denial of service condition means that successful exploitation can lead to either a complete hang or frequent crashes of the MySQL server instance, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users and applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from issues within the query optimizer module of MySQL, which is responsible for determining the most efficient execution plan for database queries. When an attacker crafts specific malicious queries or inputs that trigger the optimizer to process malformed or specially constructed data, the system can enter an unstable state that results in either a complete system hang or repeated crash cycles. This behavior aligns with CWE-476, which addresses NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities, and potentially CWE-121, which covers buffer overflow conditions that can cause system instability. The optimizer's failure to properly handle certain input conditions creates a pathway for attackers to disrupt normal database operations through carefully crafted requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as database availability is fundamental to most enterprise applications and services. Organizations relying on MySQL 8.1.0 for critical data operations face significant risk of business interruption when this vulnerability is exploited. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.5 indicates a medium to high severity impact, with the availability impact rated as high (A:H) reflecting the potential for complete system unavailability. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability from network locations without requiring elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be targeted by malicious actors from external networks. The low attack complexity (AC:L) and lack of user interaction requirements (UI:N) mean that this vulnerability can be exploited automatically through automated tools, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks and making it a prime target for widespread exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-22095 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to version 8.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this optimizer-related vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to MySQL ports to trusted IP addresses only, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Database administrators should consider implementing connection throttling mechanisms and query monitoring to detect unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that MySQL accounts have only the minimum required permissions necessary for their operations, limiting the potential damage if any compromise occurs. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for patterns consistent with this type of exploit attempt. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by threat actors.