CVE-2023-21920 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-21920, a vulnerability identified in Oracle's MySQL Server.

Understanding CVE-2023-21920

CVE-2023-21920 is a vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically in the Server Optimizer component. This vulnerability allows a high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server.

What is CVE-2023-21920?

The vulnerability in MySQL Server (Oracle MySQL) allows a high privileged attacker to exploit the Server Optimizer component. Successful attacks could result in unauthorized access causing the MySQL Server to hang or crash, leading to a complete denial of service (DOS) scenario. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 4.9, with an Impact Severity rated as MEDIUM.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21920

The impact of CVE-2023-21920 is significant as it could potentially allow an attacker to compromise the MySQL Server, leading to a denial of service situation. With a high privileged level and network access, the attacker can cause the server to hang or crash, impacting the availability of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21920

This section elaborates on the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21920, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a high privileged attacker with network access through multiple protocols to compromise the MySQL Server by exploiting the Server Optimizer component. Successful attacks could result in a denial of service situation, causing the server to hang or crash.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the MySQL Server by Oracle Corporation, with versions 8.0.32 and prior being vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability in MySQL Server (Oracle MySQL) can be exploited by a high privileged attacker with network access through multiple protocols. By compromising the Server Optimizer component, unauthorized access can be gained, leading to server hang or crash scenarios.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21920, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploits. Long-term security practices and regular patching are crucial in maintaining a secure environment.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement network security measures to restrict unauthorized access.
Monitor server activity for any suspicious behavior or attempted exploits.
Apply security patches provided by Oracle to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the MySQL Server to address security vulnerabilities.
Perform regular security audits and scans to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Educate staff on best practices for securing database servers and network infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

Users of Oracle's MySQL Server are advised to apply the patches provided by Oracle to address CVE-2023-21920. Keeping the software up to date with the latest security updates is essential in maintaining a secure environment.