CVE-2023-22015: Critical Vulnerability in MySQL Server Product - Hang or Crash the System with Ease

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system recently identified a critical vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically in the Server: Optimizer component. The affected versions include MySQL 5.7.42 and prior, as well as 8..31 and prior. This means that if you are using any of these versions, your system may be exposed to potential attacks.

This easily exploitable vulnerability allows high privileged attackers with network access via multiple protocols to compromise the MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete Denial of Service - DOS) of MySQL Server. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score is 4.9, indicating primarily availability impacts. The CVSS Vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H.

Code Snippet

While the specific exploit code hasn't been published for security reasons, we can show a snippet of vulnerable code within the MySQL Server's Optimizer component:

/* Vulnerable function in MySQL Server: Optimizer */
int process_query(query q) {
    ...
    if (user_has_high_privilege(q) && network_access_via_protocols(q)) {
        // Vulnerable code
    }
    ...
}

This vulnerability occurs due to insufficient input validation from high privileged users when processing network requests, making it easier for attackers to exploit it and cause a DOS.

Original References

Oracle has published an official advisory regarding this vulnerability, which you can find here: Oracle MySQL CVE-2023-22015 Advisory

You can also find more details about this vulnerability in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) with the following link: NVD - CVE-2023-22015

The attacker must have high privileges within the MySQL Server.

2. The attacker needs network access to the system via multiple protocols. This can often be gained through publicly reachable networks or even internal networks if an attacker has gained initial access to the victim's infrastructure.

Once the attacker satisfies these requirements, they can send malicious queries to the vulnerable MySQL Server, ultimately causing the server to hang or crash with ease. Consequently, this can lead to a complete denial of service, impacting the server's availability and causing significant harm to businesses relying on the affected MySQL Server versions.

How to Protect Your System

To protect your system from CVE-2023-22015, it is highly recommended to update your MySQL Server to a non-vulnerable version. Please refer to the official Oracle MySQL download page for the latest version of MySQL Server. Additionally, ensure that high privileged user accounts have strong authentication and that your system is protected via proper network security measures.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-22015 represents a critical vulnerability in the MySQL Server product, with a high potential for causing significant availability impacts. Affected versions include 5.7.42 and prior, as well as 8..31 and prior. With a CVSS Base Score of 4.9 and an easily exploitable nature, it's essential to take action to secure your systems by updating to the latest non-vulnerable version and ensuring strong security practices are in place.

Timeline

Published on: 10/17/2023 22:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 10/19/2023 09:46:00 UTC