CVE-2023-21872 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on January 17, 2023, by Oracle for a vulnerability found in the Oracle MySQL Server, specifically affecting versions 8.0.29 and earlier. The vulnerability allows a high-privileged attacker with network access to compromise the MySQL Server, potentially leading to unauthorized access and denial of service attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-21872

The CVE-2023-21872 identifies a security flaw in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, impacting versions 8.0.29 and prior. It poses a significant risk as it can be exploited by an attacker with network access to cause a denial of service or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data within the MySQL Server.

What is CVE-2023-21872?

The vulnerability in MySQL Server allows a high-privileged attacker to compromise the server through multiple protocols. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized activities such as causing the server to crash, hanging the server, or gaining unauthorized access to manipulate the server's data.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21872

The impact of CVE-2023-21872 includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data within the MySQL Server, as well as the ability to disrupt server operations through denial of service attacks. The integrity and availability of the server are compromised, with a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 5.5.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21872

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, the affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in MySQL Server allows a high-privileged attacker with network access to compromise the server, potentially leading to unauthorized access, server crashes, or denial of service attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Oracle MySQL Server versions 8.0.29 and prior are impacted by CVE-2023-21872. Users with these versions are at risk of exploitation by attackers with network access.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a high-privileged attacker who has network access to the MySQL Server. By leveraging multiple protocols, the attacker can compromise the server and execute unauthorized actions leading to server crashes or data manipulation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-21872 vulnerability, immediate steps need to be taken to secure the affected systems and prevent potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of Oracle MySQL Server to patch the vulnerability.
Restrict network access to the MySQL Server to authorized users only.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on the server to detect potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to restrict unauthorized access to critical systems.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Oracle has released patches to address the CVE-2023-21872 vulnerability. It is crucial for users of MySQL Server to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems from potential exploitation.