CVE-2024-21052 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: DML). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.34 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).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-21052 represents a critical availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.34 and earlier, specifically affecting the Server: DML component. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the database server's data manipulation language processing subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt normal database operations. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with high privileges and network access can leverage this flaw without requiring specialized tools or extensive technical knowledge, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is paramount.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests through improper handling of specific DML operations that trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions within the MySQL server process. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious SQL statements or data inputs that cause the MySQL server daemon to enter a state of permanent hang or repeated crashes, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This behavior aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how inadequate input sanitization can lead to denial of service scenarios. The attack vector requires network access and high privilege levels, suggesting that the vulnerability is most likely exploited by internal threat actors or attackers who have already gained elevated access to the system, though the low access complexity means that the attack surface extends beyond traditional perimeter defenses.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-21052 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass significant business continuity risks and potential data integrity concerns. Organizations relying on MySQL Server for critical applications face substantial downtime penalties when this vulnerability is successfully exploited, as database unavailability affects all dependent systems and services. The complete denial of service condition can result in cascading failures across interconnected applications, potentially leading to financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service, where the attacker leverages database-specific weaknesses to compromise system availability. The CVSS 3.1 score of 4.9 reflects the moderate to high severity of the availability impact, particularly when considering that the vulnerability affects a core database component that many enterprise applications depend upon for their operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-21052 should prioritize immediate patch deployment for Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.34 and earlier, as this represents the most effective approach to eliminating the vulnerability at its source. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized personnel with legitimate business needs can access the database server with high privileges. Additionally, implementing robust monitoring and alerting mechanisms can help detect abnormal database behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, enabling rapid incident response. The security posture should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in database configurations and applications. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically tailored for database availability incidents, including automated failover mechanisms and backup restoration capabilities to minimize downtime during exploitation attempts. Compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requires implementing these controls to maintain acceptable risk levels and demonstrate due diligence in protecting critical database infrastructure.