CVE-2024-21170 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2024
Vulnerability in the MySQL Connectors product of Oracle MySQL (component: Connector/Python). Supported versions that are affected are 8.4.0 and prior. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Connectors. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Connectors accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Connectors accessible data and unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of MySQL Connectors. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 6.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-21170 resides within Oracle MySQL's Connector/Python component, representing a significant security weakness that affects versions 8.4.0 and earlier. This flaw operates within the broader context of database connectivity tools that facilitate communication between applications and mysql database systems, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of python applications that rely on mysql connectivity. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can potentially leverage this weakness to compromise the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the Connector/Python implementation. Attackers with low privileges and network access can exploit this weakness through multiple protocols, allowing them to perform unauthorized operations on the database. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to execute unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against certain database accessible data, while also providing unauthorized read access to a subset of the accessible data. Additionally, the flaw permits attackers to cause partial denial of service conditions, disrupting normal database operations and potentially affecting business continuity. This multi-faceted impact aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-311 (Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data) categories, reflecting the fundamental security weaknesses in access control mechanisms and data protection.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-21170 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it represents a substantial risk to database integrity and availability. Organizations running affected versions of MySQL Connectors face potential data breaches where unauthorized modifications can alter critical business data, while read access can expose sensitive information to malicious actors. The partial denial of service capability means that even if complete system compromise is not achieved, database availability can be significantly degraded, affecting application performance and user experience. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where python applications connect to mysql databases, which includes web applications, backend services, and data processing systems that form the backbone of modern digital infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected systems to version 8.4.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of mysql connectors to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious authentication patterns and implementing robust logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected versions of MySQL Connectors and ensure proper network access controls are in place. The CVSS score of 6.3 indicates a moderate to high severity risk that requires immediate attention from security operations teams, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation through network-based attacks. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing proper security controls around database connectivity components.