CVE-2021-2144 is a vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Server: Parser component. The vulnerability affects supported versions 5.7.29 and prior, as well as 8.0.19 and prior. This easily exploitable vulnerability allows a high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks can result in the takeover of MySQL Server. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.2, indicating high severity due to its potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The vulnerability was published on April 22, 2021, and is classified as having a high exploitability score. Organizations utilizing affected versions of MySQL must act swiftly to mitigate the associated risks.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential disruptions to service, which can have significant operational and reputational consequences. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there is no known public exploit available, and the vulnerability is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) database. However, the risk remains high due to its exploitability.
Organizations are urged to monitor for any signs of exploitation and to apply necessary updates to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-2144.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2021-2144 states that it is a vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL. It affects versions 5.7.29 and prior and 8.0.19 and prior. This vulnerability allows a high privileged attacker with network access to compromise MySQL Server. The impact includes high risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, which are critical for any organization relying on database services.
The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.2 classifies this vulnerability as high severity, indicating significant risk. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity and requires high privileges, while user interaction is not required.
The vulnerability is associated with several products including MySQL, active_iq_unified_manager, oncommand_insight, oncommand_workflow_automation, and snapcenter, making it relevant for a variety of installations.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-2144 lies in the Server: Parser component of MySQL, which processes input from various network protocols. This vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation of input, allowing attackers to manipulate requests and gain unauthorized access.
The attack vector is primarily network-based, requiring the attacker to have high privileges. The complexity of the attack is low, making it easier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability without needing specialized skills. No user interaction is required, which increases the risk of exploitation.
The impacts of this vulnerability are severe, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. A successful exploitation could lead to full control over the MySQL Server, allowing attackers to manipulate data and disrupt services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using affected versions of MySQL must understand the significant risks posed by CVE-2021-2144. The vulnerability's ability to allow high privileged access over the network means that attackers can potentially gain control over critical database services.
The potential blast radius is extensive, as many applications rely on MySQL databases for operation. If exploited, the attacker could not only disrupt services but also exfiltrate sensitive data, leading to severe reputational damage and regulatory repercussions.
Given the CVSS score of 7.2, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Immediate action is essential to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access and data breaches.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of MySQL include 5.7.29 and prior, as well as 8.0.19 and prior. Organizations should ensure that they upgrade to the patched versions provided by Oracle to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-2144.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must patch their MySQL installations to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-2144. The latest updates from Oracle address this vulnerability, and upgrading to the latest version is essential.
For ongoing security, implementing proper configuration hardening and network controls can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider engaging in penetration testing to validate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their MySQL logs for any unusual access patterns or failed login attempts that could indicate an attempted exploitation of CVE-2021-2144. Additionally, network traffic should be analyzed for unexpected connections to MySQL services.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-2144 represents a significant security threat to organizations using Oracle MySQL. As the database landscape evolves, vulnerabilities that allow high privileged access over the network will continue to be a critical concern. Organizations should regularly review their security measures and consider implementing a penetration testing methodology to ensure their defenses are robust.
As part of a comprehensive security strategy, organizations should also consider engaging in vulnerability management programs to address potential weaknesses proactively.
Finally, leveraging threat intelligence can provide valuable insights into emerging vulnerabilities and attack trends, allowing organizations to adjust their defenses accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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