CVE-2023-21945 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published by Oracle on April 18, 2023, and it pertains to a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21945 in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL. The vulnerability affects versions 8.0.32 and prior, potentially allowing a high-privileged attacker with network access to compromise the MySQL Server, leading to a denial of service (DOS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2023-21945

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-21945 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21945?

The vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically in the Server's Optimizer component, allows high-privileged attackers with network access to compromise the server. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized actions that lead to a hang or frequent crashes of the MySQL Server, causing a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21945

The impact of CVE-2023-21945 is significant, as successful exploitation by an attacker can cause a complete denial of service by causing the MySQL Server to hang or crash repeatedly. This poses a risk to the availability of the server and can disrupt normal operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21945

In this section, we dive into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-21945 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a high-privileged attacker with network access to compromise the MySQL Server through multiple protocols. The exploitation can lead to a complete denial of service by causing the server to hang or crash, impacting its availability.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Oracle's MySQL Server versions 8.0.32 and earlier. These versions are susceptible to exploitation by attackers with high privileges and network access, making it crucial to address the issue promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21945, attackers need network access and high privileges. By leveraging multiple protocols, attackers can compromise the MySQL Server, leading to unauthorized disruptions such as server hangs or crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-21945 requires immediate actions to secure the affected systems and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Oracle recommends applying patches and updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability in MySQL Server. It is crucial to prioritize the security of the affected systems and apply the necessary fixes promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance the overall security posture, organizations should implement security best practices, including regular vulnerability assessments, network monitoring, user access controls, and security awareness training. These practices can help prevent and mitigate security incidents effectively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security advisories from Oracle and applying patches and updates in a timely manner is essential for mitigating vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21945. Staying informed about security updates and maintaining a proactive approach to security maintenance is key to safeguarding systems from potential threats.