CVE-2025-21534 is a vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Server: Performance Schema component. This vulnerability affects supported versions, including 8.0.39 and prior, 8.4.2 and prior, and 9.0.1 and prior. The vulnerability is easily exploitable, allowing a high-privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash, leading to a complete denial of service (DoS) of MySQL Server. The CVSS 3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 4.9, focusing on availability impacts.
Given the potential impact on availability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to significant disruptions in database services, affecting application performance and availability.
According to the CVSS vector, the attack vector is classified as network, with low attack complexity and high privileges required for exploitation. The user interaction is not necessary, making it a straightforward attack from the perspective of an attacker with the requisite access.
Organizations running affected versions of MySQL Server are advised to evaluate their exposure and apply relevant patches as soon as possible to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question has been classified under CWE-770, which signifies a vulnerability that allows for unauthorized access to resources. The affected product, Oracle MySQL Server, specifically the Server: Performance Schema component, faces potential exploitation due to inadequate security controls.
The CVSS score of 4.9 categorizes this vulnerability as medium severity, indicating that while it does pose a risk, the level of threat may not be as critical as higher-scoring vulnerabilities. However, the potential for a denial of service attack should not be underestimated, and organizations must remain vigilant.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input data, which may allow attackers to manipulate the server's response. The attack vector is over the network, requiring the attacker to have high privileges. The attack complexity is low, meaning that it does not require sophisticated skills or resources to exploit.
No user interaction is required for exploitation, enhancing the risk level. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is minimal, but the availability impact is high, as successful exploitation can lead to denial of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes significant disruptions to database services, potential loss of service availability, and the subsequent impact on any applications reliant on the MySQL Server. The blast radius of this vulnerability can extend beyond the server itself, potentially affecting other interconnected systems.
Given the CVSS score of 4.9, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Immediate action is recommended to prevent potential exploitation and ensure the continuity of services.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of MySQL Server are affected by this vulnerability: 8.0.39 and prior, 8.4.2 and prior, and 9.0.1 and prior. Organizations running these versions should prioritize applying patches.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-21534, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Oracle. Ensure your MySQL Server is updated to a version that is not vulnerable. Continuous monitoring and configuration hardening are also recommended to reduce the attack surface.
For ongoing protection and validation of security measures, organizations should consider implementing continuous security testing to identify further vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security best practices.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should implement logging mechanisms that can capture anomalies in MySQL Server operations. Monitoring for unusual patterns, especially around the times of expected interactions with the server, can help identify potential attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-21534 highlights a persistent issue within database security, where vulnerabilities can lead to significant service disruptions. Security teams should remain vigilant and integrate findings from this and similar vulnerabilities into their security posture. For further reading on vulnerability management, consider reviewing our resources on vulnerability management programs and best practices for penetration testing methodology to enhance your overall security strategy.
Additionally, staying informed about the latest security trends is crucial. Our article on vulnerability exposure trends provides valuable insights into the evolving threat landscape.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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