CVE-2024-21244: Vulnerability in MySQL Server Allowing Unauthorized Data Access

The vulnerability CVE-2024-21244 has been discovered in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, affecting the Server: Telemetry component. Specifically, it impacts supported versions 8.4.2 and prior, as well as 9..1 and prior. This vulnerability is difficult to exploit, but high-privileged attackers with network access through multiple protocols can potentially compromise the MySQL Server. Successful attacks may result in unauthorized read access to specific data within the MySQL Server. The CVS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 2.2, with Confidentiality impacts. The CVSS Vector is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability in the MySQL Server's Telemetry component allows an attacker with high privileges and network access to exploit and gain unauthorized read access to certain MySQL Server data. This issue is primarily due to inadequate security measures in these versions of the MySQL Server.

To better understand the vulnerability, let's take a look at an example of a code snippet

// Example of vulnerable code in MySQL Server 8.4.2

class Telemetry {

    private:

        // sensitive information
        string connectionString;
        string databaseName;
        string username;
        string password;

    public:

        Telemetry(string connString, string dbName, string user, string pass) {
            connectionString = connString;
            databaseName = dbName;
            username = user;
            password = pass;
        }

        // Function to get telemetry data
        string getTelemetryData() {
            // Access data using the sensitive information
            return "Telemetry Data";
        }

};

This code snippet is a simplified example of the vulnerable implementation in the affected MySQL Server versions. The sensitive information, such as the connection string, database name, username, and password, are not adequately protected.

Exploit Details

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would require high privileges and network access through multiple protocols like TCP/IP and UNIX sockets. As this vulnerability is difficult to exploit, a successful attempt will provide the attacker with unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data.

Remediation and Mitigation

- Upgrade to the latest, patched version of Oracle MySQL Server from the official website.
- Implement proper access controls and user privilege management to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

Monitor and log suspicious activity on the MySQL Server to detect any attempted exploits.

- Regularly audit and review the security of your MySQL Server installation and any related infrastructure.

References

- CVE-2024-21244 - NVD
- Official Oracle MySQL Download Page
- Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory
- Common Vulnerability Scoring System Version 3.1

Conclusion

CVE-2024-21244 is a potentially harmful vulnerability if successfully exploited. We strongly recommend administrators update their MySQL Server installations to the latest version and follow industry best practices for access controls, monitoring, and security reviews to protect against unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Timeline

Published on: 10/15/2024 20:15:14 UTC
Last modified on: 10/16/2024 20:35:00 UTC