CVE-2024-20981 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/17/2024
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: DDL). 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).
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20981 represents a significant availability risk within Oracle MySQL Server implementations, specifically affecting the Server: DDL component. This weakness manifests in versions 8.0.35 and earlier, as well as 8.2.0 and prior releases, creating a persistent threat vector that impacts database infrastructure reliability. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with high privileges and network access can leverage this flaw to compromise MySQL Server operations. The attack surface encompasses multiple network protocols, making the exploitation pathway more accessible and the potential impact more severe. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-400, which categorizes improper resource management as a fundamental weakness in software systems, particularly when dealing with database server components that handle data definition language operations.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2024-20981 enables attackers to induce complete denial of service conditions within MySQL Server environments through carefully crafted DDL operations. The vulnerability's ability to cause either hangs or frequently repeatable crashes demonstrates its capacity to severely disrupt database availability, which forms a critical component of database system reliability. When successfully exploited, this weakness can result in complete system unavailability, effectively rendering the database service inaccessible to legitimate users and applications. The CVSS 3.1 scoring system places this vulnerability at a 4.9 rating, reflecting the high impact on availability while noting the requirement for high privileged access. The attack vector analysis reveals that network-based exploitation is possible, suggesting that attackers do not require physical access to the system, which increases the practical threat level. This vulnerability particularly affects database administrators and applications that rely on consistent database availability for business operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20981 extends beyond simple service disruption, potentially causing cascading failures within enterprise environments that depend on MySQL Server for critical business functions. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risks of service interruptions that can impact customer-facing applications, data processing workflows, and overall business continuity. The vulnerability's potential to cause repeated crashes means that even brief exploitation periods could result in extended downtime, particularly in environments where database recovery procedures are complex or time-consuming. System administrators must consider the broader implications for backup and recovery operations, as repeated service interruptions can complicate disaster recovery planning. The availability impact severity rating of CVSS 3.1 indicates that this vulnerability could severely compromise database system uptime, affecting not only database performance but also application availability and user experience. This weakness can be particularly damaging in regulated environments where database availability is mandated by compliance standards.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation efforts by upgrading to MySQL Server versions that address this vulnerability, specifically targeting releases beyond 8.0.35 and 8.2.0. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all affected systems within the enterprise infrastructure, followed by coordinated patch deployment during maintenance windows to minimize operational disruption. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, limiting the attack surface for privilege escalation scenarios. Regular monitoring of database system logs should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability may be targeted by both external attackers and insider threats. The implementation of database activity monitoring tools can help identify anomalous DDL operations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to ensure rapid containment and recovery capabilities. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that the vulnerability remediation does not introduce compatibility issues with existing database applications and workflows. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, while also potentially aligning with T1566 for initial access and T1078 for privilege escalation, making comprehensive defensive strategies essential for protecting database infrastructure.