CVE-2021-46657 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2021-46657 article provides details about the vulnerability affecting MariaDB before version 10.6.2, leading to potential application crashes via specific subquery uses of ORDER BY.

Understanding CVE-2021-46657

What is CVE-2021-46657?

The CVE-2021-46657 vulnerability, known as get_sort_by_table, impacts MariaDB versions prior to 10.6.2. It allows attackers to cause application crashes by exploiting certain subquery ORDER BY operations.

The Impact of CVE-2021-46657

The vulnerability poses a threat of application crashes in MariaDB instances utilizing subqueries with ORDER BY clauses, potentially resulting in service disruption and data loss.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-46657

Vulnerability Description

The get_sort_by_table vulnerability in MariaDB before 10.6.2 triggers application crashes when handling specific subquery ORDER BY scenarios, potentially leading to denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: MariaDB installations before version 10.6.2
Affected Versions: All versions prior to 10.6.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the CVE-2021-46657 vulnerability by crafting malicious subqueries containing ORDER BY clauses, which, when executed, can crash the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade MariaDB: Update to version 10.6.2 or newer to patch the vulnerability.
Restrict Access: Limit access to the database to trusted entities to reduce the attack surface.
Monitor Logs: Regularly monitor database logs for any unusual activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Updates: Keep MariaDB and all software components up to date to prevent future vulnerabilities.
Security Training: Educate database administrators on secure coding practices and potential attack vectors.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply patches promptly and consistently to maintain the security and integrity of MariaDB installations.