CVE-2023-22028 - Understanding the Vulnerability in MySQL Server (Optimizer) and How to Mitigate the Risk

Oracle MySQL has a known vulnerability in its MySQL Server product, specifically within the Server: Optimizer component. This vulnerability affects the MySQL Server's 5.7.43 and prior versions, as well as 8..31 and prior versions. The vulnerability has been assigned as CVE-2023-22028.

This is an easily exploitable vulnerability that allows high privileged attackers with network access to compromise the MySQL Server. Successful attacks can result in unauthorized users causing a hang or frequently repeated crashes of the MySQL Server, leading to a complete Denial of Service (DOS). The CVSS 3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 4.9, with the vector being CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H.

In this post, we will briefly describe the vulnerability, provide the original reference links, and discuss ways to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Code Snippet

The vulnerability in the Optimizer component is said to occur when an attacker sends a specially crafted network packet to the server, causing the server to crash or hang. While we cannot provide specific exploit details, the general idea is that the attacker would leverage their high-privileged access to send a malformed packet designed to trigger the vulnerability.

Original References

To understand the details of this vulnerability, please refer to the following links from Oracle and other security sources:

1. Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory - April 2023
2. National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
3. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Details

Exploit Details

As previously mentioned, this vulnerability allows an attacker with high privileged access to send a malformed packet via multiple protocols, including, but not limited to, TCP and Unix sockets. Attackers might exploit this vulnerability to cause a complete DOS, causing the server to crash or hang, resulting in the disruption of normal operations.

Due to the sensitive nature of this vulnerability, specific exploit details cannot be provided at this time.

To protect your MySQL Server from this vulnerability, we recommend taking the following steps

1. Upgrade your MySQL Server to the latest version: If you are running an affected version (5.7.43 and prior, 8..31 and prior), upgrade the server to the latest version available, which contains the relevant patches for this vulnerability.
2. Limit privileged access: Ensure that only authorized users with a legitimate need have high privileged access to the MySQL Server.
3. Monitor your MySQL Server logs closely: Keep an eye on the server logs for any unusual activity that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
4. Review your firewall rules: Make sure that your MySQL Server is protected by strong and effective firewall rules, limiting external access to only necessary IP addresses and ports.
5. Keep informed about security updates: Subscribe to security mailing lists, such as those provided by Oracle or MySQL, to receive information about critical patches and updates related to your MySQL Server product.

In conclusion, CVE-2023-22028 is a crucial vulnerability in MySQL Server's Optimizer component that can lead to severe availability impacts. Organizations need to be aware of this vulnerability and take immediate action to upgrade their MySQL Server or implement the necessary security measures to mitigate the risk.

Timeline

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