CVE-2018-3071 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security vulnerability has been identified in the Audit Log subcomponent of Oracle MySQL Server, affecting versions 5.7.22 and earlier. This CVE entry provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to the vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2018-3071

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2018-3071 vulnerability, outlining its nature and potential consequences.

What is CVE-2018-3071?

The vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL, particularly in the Audit Log subcomponent, allows a highly privileged attacker with network access to compromise the MySQL Server. The vulnerability impacts versions 5.7.22 and prior, potentially leading to a denial of service (DOS) situation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-3071

The vulnerability, with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 4.9, primarily affects the availability of the MySQL Server. If exploited successfully, it can result in unauthorized actions causing the server to hang or crash repeatedly, leading to a DOS scenario.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-3071

This section provides a deeper dive into the technical aspects of CVE-2018-3071, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a highly privileged attacker with network access to compromise the MySQL Server, potentially causing a complete DOS scenario by repeatedly crashing the server.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: MySQL Server
Vendor: Oracle Corporation
Versions Affected: 5.7.22 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a highly privileged attacker with network access through multiple protocols, enabling them to compromise the MySQL Server and disrupt its normal operation.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, you will find recommendations on how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-3071 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Oracle Corporation promptly.
Restrict network access to the MySQL Server to trusted entities only.
Monitor server logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the MySQL Server to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of critical servers.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you stay informed about security updates and patches released by Oracle Corporation for the MySQL Server. Timely application of patches is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-3071.