CVE-2020-14812 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server allows a high privileged attacker to compromise the server, potentially leading to a denial of service (DOS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2020-14812

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically in the Server Locking component.

What is CVE-2020-14812?

The vulnerability affects versions 5.6.49 and prior, 5.7.31 and prior, and 8.0.21 and prior of MySQL Server. It is an easily exploitable flaw that enables a high privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized actions that disrupt the server's availability.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14812

Successful attacks can lead to a hang or frequently repeatable crash of the MySQL Server, causing a complete denial of service. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 4.9, indicating a medium severity with high availability impacts.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14812

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a high privileged attacker with network access to compromise the MySQL Server, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

MySQL Server 5.6.49 and prior
MySQL Server 5.7.31 and prior
MySQL Server 8.0.21 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise the MySQL Server.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-14812 is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Oracle 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 MySQL Server to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the MySQL Server is updated with the latest security patches from Oracle to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.