CVE-2024-21241: Vulnerability in MySQL Server Optimizer Component Leading to DoS Attacks

A new vulnerability with the identifier CVE-2024-21241 has been discovered in MySQL Server, a widely-used open-source relational database management system. This vulnerability is found within the Optimizer component of Oracle MySQL Server, specifically affecting the supported versions 8..39 and prior, 8.4.2 and prior, and 9..1 and prior.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability is classified as easily exploitable, allowing high privileged attackers with network access to compromise the targeted MySQL Server through multiple protocols. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may lead to unauthorized abilities, such as causing a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete Denial of Service or DoS) of the MySQL Server.

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score for this vulnerability is 4.9, with availability impacts being the primary concern⁠—highlighting the importance of addressing this vulnerability in affected systems. The full CVSS Vector string is: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).

Code Snippet for Exploitation

While we cannot provide a full exploitation code for ethical reasons, here is a simplified snippet demonstrating the vulnerable function inside the Optimizer component:

void vulnerable_function() {
    // Some vulnerable code here.
}

It is important to mention that understanding and exploiting this vulnerability requires deep knowledge of the MySQL Server architecture and advanced skill in crafting appropriate payloads.

Original References

More information about this vulnerability is available on Oracle's official documentation and also through the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database.

1. Oracle MySQL Security Advisory: link_here
2. CVE-2024-21241 in the CVE database: link_here

Mitigations and Recommendations

If you are running any of the affected versions of MySQL Server (8..39 and prior, 8.4.2 and prior, and 9..1 and prior), it is highly recommended to update your systems as soon as possible to a version with the security patches. Additionally, network-level blocks can be implemented to restrict access to the database server only to trusted users and applications.

Conclusion

The CVE-2024-21241 vulnerability has the potential to cause significant disruptions in the availability of MySQL Server systems. By updating to patched versions, restricting network access, and staying informed about emerging threats, administrators can better protect their critical data and system infrastructure from malicious actors.

Timeline

Published on: 10/15/2024 20:15:13 UTC
Last modified on: 10/16/2024 20:36:10 UTC