CVE-2020-14866 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server (component: Server: Optimizer) allows a high privileged attacker to compromise the server, affecting versions 8.0.21 and prior.

Understanding CVE-2020-14866

This CVE involves an easily exploitable vulnerability in MySQL Server that can lead to a denial of service (DOS) attack.

What is CVE-2020-14866?

The vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server allows a high privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server. Successful exploitation can result in a DOS attack by causing the server to hang or crash.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14866

The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 4.9, with a high impact on availability. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability via multiple protocols, potentially leading to unauthorized server compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14866

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in MySQL Server allows attackers with network access to compromise the server, potentially causing a DOS by crashing or hanging the server.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: MySQL Server
Vendor: Oracle Corporation
Versions affected: 8.0.21 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: High
User Interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-14866, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor patches promptly
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity
Restrict network access to the MySQL Server

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch MySQL Server
Implement network segmentation to limit access to critical servers
Conduct regular security audits and assessments

Patching and Updates

Oracle has released patches to address this vulnerability
Stay informed about security updates and apply them promptly