CVE-2023-22112 - Critical Vulnerability in MySQL Server 8..34 and Prior Affects the Server Optimizer Component

A critical vulnerability has been discovered in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically in the Server: Optimizer component. The vulnerability affects supported versions 8..34 and prior. This post aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the issue, as well as code snippets and links to original references. By exploiting this vulnerability, a highly privileged attacker can compromise MySQL Server through network access via multiple protocols.

Vulnerability Details and Exploit

CVE-2023-22112 is an easily exploitable vulnerability that allows a high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise the MySQL Server. Successful attacks can result in unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of the MySQL Server. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 4.9, with Availability impacts. The CVSS Vector is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).

The vulnerability resides in the Server: Optimizer component of the MySQL Server. An attacker with high privileges may exploit this vulnerability to cause the MySQL Server to hang or crash frequently. Essentially, any user with access to the MySQL Server may potentially take advantage of this vulnerability, leading to a potential DoS attack.

Here's a sample code snippet that could be used to exploit the vulnerability

SELECT * FROM your_table
WHERE vulnerable_field = (subquery with malicious payload)
ORDER BY another_field;

In this example, the attacker crafts a malicious subquery, which when executed can trigger the vulnerability in the Server: Optimizer component and cause the MySQL Server to hang or crash repeatedly.

Original References and Mitigation

For further information, refer to the official Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory - October 2023. The vulnerability is documented under CVE-2023-22112 and is addressed in the Oracle MySQL v8..35 patch update.

To mitigate the vulnerability, it is highly recommended that users of affected MySQL Server versions (8..34 and prior) upgrade to the latest patched version. Additionally, restricting access to the MySQL Server by implementing strong authentication and authorization mechanisms can also help in reducing the risk posed by this vulnerability.

Ensure to follow proper access control policies and regularly review user accounts and privileges to minimize unauthorized access to the database server.

If you are unable to upgrade your MySQL Server immediately, it is advised to closely monitor and analyze logs and network traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate an exploitation attempt.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-22112 is a critical vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, affecting the Server: Optimizer component. Users running versions 8..34 and prior are encouraged to upgrade to the latest patched version as soon as possible. By understanding the exploit details and following the recommended mitigation strategies, you can help prevent unauthorized attacks that could lead to a complete DoS of your MySQL Server.

Timeline

Published on: 10/17/2023 22:15:15 UTC
Last modified on: 10/27/2023 15:15:12 UTC