CVE-2024-20966 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2024
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.35 and prior and 8.2.0 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).
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20966 resides within the MySQL Server optimizer component of Oracle MySQL database systems, representing a critical availability risk that affects multiple version ranges including 8.0.35 and earlier releases as well as 8.2.0 and prior versions. This flaw operates at the core optimization layer of the database engine where query execution plans are processed and executed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with high privileges who possess network access through various protocols. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that the attack vector requires minimal sophistication while the requirement for high privilege access suggests that the attacker must already have elevated credentials within the database environment. The CVSS score of 4.9 reflects the significant availability impact, with the attack vector being network-based, low complexity, and requiring high privileges while posing no user interaction requirements.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of specific query optimization scenarios within the MySQL Server's execution engine, where malformed or specially crafted queries can trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions that lead to complete system hang or frequent crashes. The optimizer component processes complex query execution plans and maintains internal data structures that when manipulated through malicious input can cause the server process to become unresponsive or terminate unexpectedly. This behavior manifests as a denial of service condition that can be repeatedly triggered to maintain system instability, effectively preventing legitimate database operations from completing successfully. The flaw likely exists in the way the optimizer manages memory allocation, data structure validation, or execution plan caching during complex query processing scenarios.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete service disruption for database-dependent applications, potentially causing cascading failures throughout enterprise systems that rely on MySQL for critical data operations. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as database downtime can affect business continuity, customer access to services, and overall system reliability. Organizations using affected MySQL versions may experience frequent service interruptions, data processing delays, and potential loss of transactional integrity. The vulnerability's ability to cause repeated crashes means that even brief exploitation attempts can lead to sustained service degradation, making it particularly dangerous for production environments where database availability is critical. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the availability pillar of the CIA triad and can be categorized under CWE-121 for heap-based buffer overflow or similar memory corruption issues.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to mitigate this vulnerability, with the most effective mitigation strategy being the application of Oracle's official security patches for versions 8.0.35 and earlier, as well as 8.2.0 and prior releases. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the attack surface by restricting network access to database servers and enforcing the principle of least privilege for database user accounts. Monitoring and logging of database activities should be enhanced to detect unusual query patterns or potential exploitation attempts, with security information and event management systems configured to alert on abnormal database behavior. Database administrators should also consider implementing query execution limits and resource constraints to prevent single queries from consuming excessive system resources. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks and represents a significant concern for organizations following security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for availability and integrity protection. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database configurations and ensure that security controls remain effective against evolving threat landscapes.