Introduction: Attention to all MySQL Server users! A recently disclosed vulnerability (CVE-2023-22092) in Oracle's MySQL Server, specifically in the Server: Optimizer component, can pose a serious risk to the security and availability of your systems. If you are running any of the affected versions (8..34 and prior), an attacker can easily use this vulnerability to perform damaging actions on your server. In this post, we will cover the exploit details, its effect on your system, and what you need to do to prevent any attacks.

Vulnerability Details

CVE ID: CVE-2023-22092
Affected Product: Oracle MySQL Server
Vulnerable Component: Server: Optimizer
Affected Versions: 8..34 and prior
Exploit Difficulty: Easy
Impact: Unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Server
CVSS 3.1 Base Score: 4.9 (Availability impacts)
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H)

Exploit Details

The vulnerability allows a high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise your MySQL Server. Successful attacks can result in a complete Denial of Service (DOS), causing the server to hang or crash frequently. This can severely impact the availability of your MySQL Server.

A snippet of the vulnerable code is provided below, illustrating the weakness in the Server: Optimizer component:

// Vulnerable code snippet
void Optimizer::process_query () {
   ...
   if (condition) {
       vulnerable_function();
   }
   ...
}

Original references documenting and explaining the vulnerability in detail can be found at the following sources:

1. Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory - April 2023
2. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) - CVE-2023-22092

Immediate Actions Needed

To prevent any potential attacks exploiting this vulnerability, users who are running MySQL Server versions 8..34 and prior are urged to take the following steps immediately:

1. Update your MySQL Server to the latest version available. Oracle has already released a patch addressing this vulnerability, which can be found in the Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory - April 2023.

2. Limit network access to the MySQL Server, and restrict access only to trusted users and applications. This can help reduce the risk by minimizing the potential attack surface.

3. Monitor your MySQL Server for any unusual activity, hangs, or crashes and investigate any occurrences to determine if an attack has taken place.

4. Plan and implement a consistent patching and update process for your MySQL Server, ensuring that all future Oracle patches are applied in a timely manner.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-22092 vulnerability in MySQL Server 8..34 and prior versions poses a significant threat to your systems' availability and must be addressed immediately. By understanding the exploit details and taking the necessary actions to prevent attacks, you can help secure your MySQL Server environment from potential harm. Make sure to stay informed on any future updates and security patches from Oracle in order to keep your systems running safely and efficiently.

Timeline

Published on: 10/17/2023 22:15:14 UTC
Last modified on: 10/27/2023 15:15:11 UTC