CVE-2024-21185 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2024
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: InnoDB). Supported versions that are affected are 8.0.38, 8.4.1 and 9.0.0. 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 • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-21185 represents a critical availability threat within Oracle MySQL's InnoDB storage engine component. This flaw affects specifically version 8.0.38, 8.4.1, and 9.0.0 of the MySQL Server software, making it a significant concern for database administrators managing these versions. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with high privileged access and network connectivity can leverage this weakness to compromise system availability. The attack vector requires network access through multiple protocols, suggesting that the vulnerability could be exploited across various communication channels that MySQL typically supports.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a complete denial of service condition that can either cause the MySQL server to hang indefinitely or trigger frequently repeatable crashes. This behavior fundamentally impacts the availability aspect of the database system's security posture, as demonstrated by the CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.9 and the availability impact rating of high. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-400, which covers unspecified other weaknesses in resource management, and more specifically with CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflows. These classifications indicate that the underlying issue likely involves improper handling of memory allocation or resource management within the InnoDB component's processing logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially affect business continuity and data availability for organizations relying on MySQL databases. When a MySQL server experiences frequent crashes or hangs, it creates cascading effects throughout the application ecosystem that depends on database services, potentially leading to extended downtime and loss of productivity. The high privilege requirement for exploitation suggests that this vulnerability may be targeted at attackers who have already gained administrative access to systems or have compromised legitimate user accounts with elevated privileges. This scenario is particularly concerning in environments where database administrators maintain elevated access levels and where the attack surface includes network protocols that MySQL supports.
The security implications of CVE-2024-21185 align with several ATT&CK framework techniques, particularly those related to privilege escalation and denial of service operations. The vulnerability's potential for causing repeated crashes or hangs places it within the category of availability-focused attacks that can severely impact system operations and user access. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit access to MySQL services and reduce the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The CVSS vector analysis indicates that this vulnerability does not require user interaction or additional privileges beyond what is already available to high-privileged attackers, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access might be compromised. Remediation efforts should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to prevent exploitation and maintain database service availability.