Learn about CVE-2023-21966, a vulnerability in Oracle MySQL affecting versions 8.0.32 and earlier. Discover its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-21966, a vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, affecting versions 8.0.32 and prior.
Understanding CVE-2023-21966
This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-21966, highlighting the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2023-21966?
CVE-2023-21966 is an easily exploitable vulnerability in Oracle's MySQL Server product. It allows a high-privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise the MySQL Server. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized actions, such as causing a hang or crash of the server, resulting in a complete denial-of-service (DOS) scenario. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 4.9, with a focus on availability impacts.
The Impact of CVE-2023-21966
The impact of CVE-2023-21966 is significant, as it enables attackers to disrupt the normal functioning of MySQL Server. This can lead to service interruptions, crashes, or hangs, affecting the availability of the server for legitimate users.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-21966
This section provides insights into the vulnerability description, the affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism of CVE-2023-21966.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server (component: Server: JSON) affects versions 8.0.32 and earlier. It allows high-privileged attackers with network access to compromise the server, potentially causing hangs or crashes that result in a complete denial of service.
Affected Systems and Versions
The Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.32 and prior are impacted by CVE-2023-21966. Users utilizing these versions are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by a high-privileged attacker with network access through various protocols. This allows them to compromise the MySQL Server and trigger crashes or hangs that disrupt the server's availability.
Mitigation and Prevention
In response to CVE-2023-21966, users of the affected Oracle MySQL Server versions should take immediate steps to address the vulnerability and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Immediate Steps to Take
Long-Term Security Practices
Patching and Updates
Oracle has released patches and updates to mitigate CVE-2023-21966. Users are strongly advised to apply these patches to secure their MySQL Server installations and prevent exploitation of the vulnerability. Regularly checking for updates and promptly applying them is crucial to maintaining the security of the server.