CVE-2024-21176 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2024
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Thread Pooling). Supported versions that are affected are 8.4.0 and prior. Difficult to exploit 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 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-21176 resides within the MySQL Server component known as Server: Thread Pooling, representing a significant security weakness that affects all versions up to and including 8.4.0. This flaw manifests as a difficulty in exploitation yet remains a serious concern for database administrators due to its potential for causing complete denial of service conditions. The vulnerability operates through multiple network protocols, providing attackers with various entry points to compromise the targeted MySQL Server instances. The low privilege requirement for exploitation means that even attackers with minimal access rights can potentially trigger this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network access is broadly distributed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies within the thread pooling mechanism of the MySQL Server, which is responsible for managing concurrent connections and processing tasks efficiently. When exploited, the flaw leads to a condition where the server becomes unresponsive or experiences frequent crashes that can be repeatedly triggered by an attacker. This behavior constitutes a complete denial of service scenario where legitimate users cannot access the database services, effectively shutting down critical business operations that depend on MySQL functionality. The CVSS score of 5.3 indicates a medium severity impact with availability being the primary concern, though the vulnerability's accessibility through network protocols significantly amplifies its threat level.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially affect business continuity and data availability for organizations relying on MySQL Server infrastructure. Attackers can repeatedly crash the server through network-based attacks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for systems that cannot tolerate extended downtime. The complete DOS capability means that even a single successful attack can render the database service unavailable until manual intervention occurs, requiring system administrators to restart services or potentially reboot entire systems to restore functionality. Organizations with critical database dependencies face significant risk from this vulnerability, especially in environments where database availability is crucial for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-21176 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to version 8.4.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this thread pooling vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-119 indicates it involves memory safety issues related to improper handling of thread pool resources, making defensive programming practices and input validation critical. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns of server crashes or connection failures that may indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework classification for this vulnerability would likely fall under the T1499 category for network denial of service, with potential overlaps into T1071 for application layer protocols and T1566 for initial access through network services, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of defending against such attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software within the organization's infrastructure.