CVE-2023-21868 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-21868 article provides detailed information about a vulnerability found in Oracle MySQL Server that allows a low-privileged attacker to compromise the server, potentially leading to a denial of service (DOS) attack. The vulnerability affects versions 8.0.31 and prior of MySQL Server.

Understanding CVE-2023-21868

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-21868, highlighting the vulnerability's nature and potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-21868?

CVE-2023-21868 is a vulnerability within Oracle MySQL Server, specifically in the Server Optimizer component. It enables a low-privileged attacker with network access through various protocols to compromise the MySQL Server. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow unauthorized actions leading to a system hang or repetitive crashes, resulting in a complete DOS attack. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 6.5, with a focus on availability impacts.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21868

The impact of CVE-2023-21868 can be severe, as it grants attackers the ability to disrupt the normal operation of MySQL Server, potentially causing service interruptions and system instability. The unauthorized actions enabled by this vulnerability could lead to significant downtime and impact on system availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21868

This section provides a deeper dive into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21868, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server allows a low-privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server, resulting in a DOS attack by causing system hangs or crashes. The issue lies in the Server Optimizer component, affecting versions 8.0.31 and prior.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.31 and earlier, making these versions susceptible to exploitation by attackers with low privileges and network access.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves leveraging multiple protocols to access the MySQL Server as a low-privileged user. By taking advantage of this access, attackers can execute actions that lead to system hang or frequent crashes, ultimately causing a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of CVE-2023-21868, it is crucial to take immediate steps to address the vulnerability, implement long-term security practices, and deploy necessary patches and updates to secure the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Consider restricting network access to MySQL Server to trusted entities only.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Oracle regarding this issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update MySQL Server to the latest secure versions to ensure patches for known vulnerabilities are applied.
Implement strong access controls and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate any security gaps proactively.

Patching and Updates

Oracle has released security updates and patches to address the vulnerability in MySQL Server versions 8.0.31 and earlier. It is crucial to apply these updates promptly to protect the server from potential exploitation and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21868.