CVE-2018-3251 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been discovered in the Oracle MySQL's MySQL Server component, specifically in its InnoDB subcomponent. The affected versions include 5.6.41 and earlier, 5.7.23 and earlier, as well as 8.0.12 and earlier. This vulnerability can be easily exploited by an attacker with low privileges and network access through various protocols, potentially compromising the MySQL Server. If successfully exploited, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized manipulation causing the server to hang or crash, resulting in a complete denial of service (DOS) situation. The CVSS 3.0 Base Score for this vulnerability is 6.5, with an impact on availability. The CVSS Vector associated with this vulnerability is (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).

Understanding CVE-2018-3251

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2018-3251.

What is CVE-2018-3251?

CVE-2018-3251 is a vulnerability found in the Oracle MySQL's MySQL Server component, particularly in the InnoDB subcomponent. It affects versions 5.6.41 and earlier, 5.7.23 and earlier, and 8.0.12 and earlier. The vulnerability allows attackers with low privileges and network access to compromise the MySQL Server.

The Impact of CVE-2018-3251

The vulnerability in CVE-2018-3251 can result in unauthorized manipulation of the MySQL Server, leading to server hang or crash, causing a denial of service (DOS) situation. The CVSS 3.0 Base Score is 6.5, with a significant impact on availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-3251

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2018-3251.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (specifically InnoDB) allows attackers with low privileges and network access to compromise the server. Successful exploitation can lead to a complete denial of service (DOS) situation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: MySQL Server
Vendor: Oracle Corporation
Affected Versions: 5.6.41 and prior, 5.7.23 and prior, 8.0.12 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with low privileges and network access through various protocols, potentially compromising the MySQL Server.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, you will find steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2018-3251 vulnerability.

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 strong access controls and authentication mechanisms.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you regularly check for security updates and patches released by Oracle Corporation to address the CVE-2018-3251 vulnerability.