CVE-2019-2481 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Oracle MySQL Server, specifically its Optimizer component, contains a vulnerability affecting versions 5.6.42 and earlier, 5.7.24 and earlier, and 8.0.13 and earlier. This vulnerability allows a highly privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server, potentially leading to a denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2019-2481

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Oracle MySQL Server, impacting various versions and potentially enabling unauthorized individuals to disrupt server availability.

What is CVE-2019-2481?

The vulnerability in the Oracle MySQL Server's Optimizer component allows a highly privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server. Successful exploitation can result in a denial of service by causing the server to hang or crash.

The Impact of CVE-2019-2481

The vulnerability is easily exploitable, posing a risk to server availability.
An attacker with network access can compromise the MySQL Server, leading to a complete denial of service.
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) 3.0 Base Score for this vulnerability is 4.9, with an impact on availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-2481

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Oracle MySQL Server's Optimizer component allows a highly privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server, potentially causing a denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Versions: 5.6.42 and prior, 5.7.24 and prior, 8.0.13 and prior
Product: MySQL Server
Vendor: Oracle Corporation

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a highly privileged attacker with network access through various protocols.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-2481 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Oracle Corporation promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
Restrict network access to the MySQL Server to authorized users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the MySQL Server to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of critical servers.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Oracle Corporation.
Apply security updates and patches as soon as they are released to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.