CVE-2021-35608 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been identified in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Server's Group Replication Plugin. This vulnerability, assigned the CVE ID CVE-2021-35608, affects versions 8.0.26 and prior. Read on to understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to this CVE.

Understanding CVE-2021-35608

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2021-35608 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-35608?

The vulnerability in MySQL Server allows a low privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server, potentially leading to a Denial of Service (DOS) situation. The affected versions include 8.0.26 and earlier, and exploitation can result in unauthorized actions on the server.

The Impact of CVE-2021-35608

The successful exploitation of CVE-2021-35608 could allow an attacker to cause a hang or repeatedly crash the MySQL Server, impacting its availability. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating a moderate severity level.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-35608

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-35608.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the MySQL Server product and is associated with the Group Replication Plugin. It is classified as a difficult-to-exploit vulnerability, permitting attackers with network access to compromise the server.

Affected Systems and Versions

Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.26 and earlier are affected by this vulnerability, making them prone to exploitation by attackers with low privileges and network connectivity.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-35608 involves leveraging multiple protocols to gain access to the MySQL Server and executing actions that can lead to a complete DOS scenario.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on strategies to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-35608.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2021-35608, users are advised to apply relevant security patches and updates provided by Oracle. Additionally, monitoring network traffic and restricting access to vulnerable servers can help prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should maintain regular security updates for all software components, conduct security audits periodically, and enforce the principle of least privilege to limit unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for patches and updates released by Oracle for the MySQL Server product. Promptly applying these updates will help mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-35608.