CVE-2021-35604 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the Oracle MySQL Server, specifically within the InnoDB component. Supported versions that are affected include versions 5.7.35 and prior, as well as 8.0.26 and prior. This vulnerability allows a high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete denial-of-service) of MySQL Server, along with unauthorized update, insert, or delete access to some of the server's accessible data.
The CVSS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating impacts primarily on integrity and availability. The CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H), which highlights the vulnerability's characteristics in terms of attack vector, complexity, and required privileges.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. Given the nature of the impacts, the potential for exploitation necessitates swift remediation efforts to protect sensitive data and ensure service availability.
The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is further emphasized by its exploitability score of 1.2, signifying a medium level of exploitability. As such, security teams should take immediate steps to assess their exposure and implement necessary updates.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that this vulnerability allows high privileged attackers to compromise MySQL Server. The affected components are from Oracle MySQL, specifically in the InnoDB component. The CVSS score of 5.5 categorizes this vulnerability as medium severity, highlighting the risk of unauthorized access and the potential for denial-of-service conditions.
The vulnerability applies to supported versions up to 5.7.35 and 8.0.26, with the potential for significant impacts on data integrity and availability. The publication date for this CVE was October 20, 2021.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from flaws in the MySQL Server's InnoDB component, which allows attackers to exploit it under the right conditions. The attack vector is network-based, meaning it can be executed remotely without physical access to the system.
The attack complexity is classified as low, indicating that attackers do not need extensive skills or resources to exploit this vulnerability. High privileges are required for exploitation, meaning that an attacker must have significant access rights to execute a successful attack.
User interaction is not required, making it easier for attackers to initiate an exploit. The impact on confidentiality is marked as none, while the integrity impact is low and availability impact is high, as successful exploitation could lead to service outages.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential denial-of-service attacks, unauthorized data manipulation, and the overall disruption of MySQL services. Given the relatively medium CVSS score, organizations need to assess their exposure and prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management cycles.
The blast radius of this vulnerability is considerable, particularly for organizations heavily reliant on MySQL for critical operations. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability is underscored by its potential to cause significant operational disruptions and data integrity issues.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Oracle MySQL Server include all versions prior to 5.7.35 and 8.0.26. Additionally, various configurations such as Fedora (versions 33, 34, and 35) and MariaDB (multiple versions) are also impacted.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches to remediate this vulnerability. For Oracle MySQL, the relevant patches can be found in the Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory. In the absence of a patch, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to MySQL Server instances.
Furthermore, regular security testing can help identify similar weaknesses. Organizations are encouraged to engage in penetration testing to assess the security posture of their MySQL deployments.
Detection Guidance
To detect exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual MySQL Server behaviors, such as repeated crashes or unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-35604 lies in its potential to compromise critical database services, exposing organizations to operational disruptions and data integrity issues. This vulnerability serves as a reminder for security teams to remain vigilant, ensuring that security measures are in place and regularly updated.
The trend represented by this vulnerability highlights the ongoing risks tied to database management systems. Organizations should consider reviewing their security policies and procedures to ensure they align with current threat landscapes.
For further insights on security best practices, organizations are encouraged to consult resources such as the penetration testing methodology and the importance of a comprehensive vulnerability management program in maintaining robust security.
Continuous monitoring and adaptation to the evolving threat landscape is essential for safeguarding organizational assets.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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