CVE-2023-21972 - A Closer Look at the MySQL Server Vulnerability and How It Affects Versions 8..32 and Prior

The CVE-2023-21972 vulnerability was recently identified in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically in the Server: DML component. This vulnerability, which impacts supported versions 8..32 and prior, can be easily exploited by a highly privileged attacker who has network access via multiple protocols. A successful attack may result in an attacker gaining unauthorized access, causing a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of the MySQL Server. In this article, we will take a closer look at this vulnerability, exploring code snippets, original references, and exploit details.

Details of the Vulnerability

The CVE-2023-21972 vulnerability exposes an issue in the handling of Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements in the MySQL Server. The issue can be exploited by high privileged attackers, with the potential to affect a wide range of companies and applications using the affected MySQL Server versions. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) has given this vulnerability a base score of 4.9, highlighting its potential availability impacts.

CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H)

Code Snippets

While the specifics of exploiting this vulnerability are not publicly disclosed, we can examine an example SQL statement that demonstrates how an attacker might trigger the affected DML component of MySQL Server. Keep in mind that this is only an illustration and not an actual exploit:

-- Attacker's SQL query
CREATE TABLE table_name(
  id INT PRIMARY KEY,
  info VARCHAR(255)
);

-- Attacker's statement that exploits the vulnerability
INSERT INTO table_name(id, info) VALUES(1, 'Exploit payload');

In this example, the attacker is using SQL statements to create a new table and insert malicious payloads that might cause a server crash or hang.

References and Sources

It is essential to stay informed on updates and research regarding CVE-2023-21972, as both Oracle and the security community continue working to address this vulnerability. Here are some important resources and links to help you stay informed on this issue:

1. Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory - January 2023
2. MySQL Server 8. Release Notes - 8..32 and prior
3. CVE-2023-21972 - National Vulnerability Database (NVD)

Mitigations and Solutions

While the specific mitigation steps for CVE-2023-21972 have not yet been provided, there are general security best practices that can help minimize the risk of exploitation:

1. Keep your MySQL Server up-to-date, especially with the latest security patches from Oracle.
2. Regularly review your server logs and proactively monitor for suspicious activity or signs of unauthorized access.
3. Isolate your MySQL Server instance to limit network accessibility and minimize potential attackers' access points.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-21972 is a severe vulnerability that has the potential to negatively impact numerous organizations and applications using MySQL Server. As we explore this developing news, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared. Familiarize yourself with the available resources, implement the best security practices, and maintain an up-to-date MySQL Server to minimize the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Timeline

Published on: 04/18/2023 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 04/27/2023 15:15:00 UTC