CVE-2023-21982: Vulnerability in the MySQL Server - Server Optimizer allows High Privileged Attackers to Potentially Cause a Complete DOS

As a continuously growing community of enthusiasts, we are committed to providing comprehensive information about the latest vulnerabilities and exploits discovered in prominent software products. Today, we will be discussing CVE-2023-21982, a recently discovered vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 8..32 and prior. A high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols can exploit this vulnerability to compromise MySQL Server, potentially causing a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Server.

Before diving into the details of CVE-2023-21982, let's take a brief look at the background of MySQL and the significance of this particular vulnerability.

Background
MySQL, owned by Oracle, is one of the most popular and widely used open-source relational database management systems (RDBMS) available today. It is widely used for its high performance, reliability, and ease of use. The MySQL Server component in question, the Server Optimizer, is responsible for determining the most efficient way to execute SQL statements, thus playing a crucial role in the overall performance of the RDBMS.

Exploit Details
CVE-2023-21982 has a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 4.9 (Availability impacts) and a CVSS Vector of (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H). This vulnerability can be easily exploited by a high privileged attacker with network access through multiple protocols. Successful exploitation can lead to the attacker gaining an unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash of MySQL Server, resulting in a complete Denial of Service (DOS).

Below is a code snippet that demonstrates the vulnerability

// Exploit code for CVE-2023-21982

// Prerequisites: High privileged access to MySQL Server
// Affected Versions: MySQL 8..32 and prior

import os
import sys
import MySQLdb

def main(argv):
    if len(argv) < 4:
        print("Usage: ./exploit.py <user> <password> <host>")
        sys.exit()

    user = argv[1]
    password = argv[2]
    host = argv[3]

    try:
        conn = MySQLdb.connect(user=user, passwd=password, host=host)
        cursor = conn.cursor()
        query = "/* CVE-2023-21982 Exploit Query */"  // Insert actual harmful/exploitative query here
        cursor.execute(query)
        conn.commit()
        print("Exploit attempt successful!")

    except MySQLdb.Error as e:
        print("Error: %s" % e.args[], e.args[1])
        sys.exit(1)

    finally:
        cursor.close()
        conn.close()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main(sys.argv)

Please note that the above code snippet is for educational purposes only and should not be used maliciously. The exact harmful/exploitative query has been omitted to prevent misuse.

CVSS Specification Document v3.1: (link)

Conclusion
The discovery of CVE-2023-21982 serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and continuously updating our software to ensure maximum security. It is recommended that users of MySQL Server (8..32 and prior) apply the necessary patches provided by Oracle as soon as possible to prevent potential exploitation. Furthermore, limiting high privileged access and employing robust security measures can significantly minimize the risk of successful attacks.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest vulnerabilities and exploits in the software world. Your vigilance and cyber hygiene are crucial in maintaining a safer digital environment.

Timeline

Published on: 04/18/2023 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 04/27/2023 15:15:00 UTC