CVE-2023-21883 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on January 17, 2023, by Oracle. It addresses a vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically affecting versions 8.0.31 and prior. The vulnerability allows a high privileged attacker with network access to compromise the MySQL Server, potentially resulting in a denial of service (DoS) by causing the server to hang or crash.

Understanding CVE-2023-21883

This section will delve into what CVE-2023-21883 is and its impact on affected systems, along with the technical details of the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-21883?

The vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Server: Optimizer) allows a high privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through multiple protocols, leading to unauthorized actions that could disrupt the server's availability.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21883

Successful exploitation of CVE-2023-21883 can result in a denial of service (DoS) on the MySQL Server. Attackers can cause the server to hang or crash repeatedly, impacting its availability. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 4.9, with a focus on availability impacts.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21883

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism of CVE-2023-21883.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises in the Oracle MySQL Server (component: Server: Optimizer) and affects supported versions 8.0.31 and earlier. It allows a high privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.31 and prior. Users operating these versions are at risk of exploitation by attackers with network access.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges and network access can exploit this vulnerability in MySQL Server through multiple protocols. By leveraging this access, they can cause a hang or repeatable crash of the server, resulting in a denial of service scenario.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems from CVE-2023-21883, it is crucial to implement immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and stay updated on patches and updates provided by Oracle.

Immediate Steps to Take

Oracle MySQL Server users are advised to update to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement network security measures to restrict access and reduce the attack surface.
Monitor server logs for any unusual activity that could indicate potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and administrators on best practices for securing MySQL Server installations.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Oracle to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Oracle provides patches and updates to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21883. It is essential to apply these patches promptly to ensure the security of your MySQL Server environment.