CVE-2024-21262: Oracle MySQL Connector Auth Bypass Flaw

CVE-2024-21262 Overview

A vulnerability exists in the MySQL Connectors product of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Connector/ODBC component. This easily exploitable flaw allows unauthenticated attackers with network access to compromise MySQL Connectors through multiple protocols. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization), indicating improper access control mechanisms within the affected component.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation enables unauthorized data manipulation (insert, update, delete operations) and can cause partial denial of service conditions affecting MySQL Connectors availability.

Affected Products

• Oracle MySQL Connector/ODBC version 9.0.0 and prior
• Oracle MySQL deployments utilizing the ODBC connector component
• Applications and systems integrating with MySQL via the vulnerable ODBC driver

Discovery Timeline

• October 15, 2024 - CVE-2024-21262 published to NVD
• October 2024 - Oracle releases security patch via Critical Patch Update
• October 25, 2024 - NetApp publishes related security advisory (NTAP-20241025-0005)
• November 3, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-21262

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability resides in the MySQL Connector/ODBC component, which serves as a critical bridge between applications and MySQL databases using the Open Database Connectivity standard. The flaw enables remote, unauthenticated attackers to interact with the connector without proper authorization verification.

The vulnerability has integrity and availability impacts but does not affect confidentiality. Attackers can perform unauthorized data modifications including insert, update, and delete operations on accessible data through the connector. Additionally, exploitation can trigger partial denial of service conditions, degrading the availability of MySQL Connectors for legitimate users.

The attack requires no privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning for internet-facing MySQL deployments. The vulnerability is exploitable via multiple network protocols, broadening the attack surface.

Root Cause

The underlying cause is classified as CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization). The Connector/ODBC component fails to properly validate authorization before allowing certain operations. This authorization bypass allows unauthenticated network requests to be processed without appropriate access control checks, enabling unauthorized data manipulation and service disruption.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring local system access. The exploitation path involves:

1. An unauthenticated attacker identifies a target system running a vulnerable version of MySQL Connector/ODBC (version 9.0.0 or earlier)
2. The attacker sends specially crafted requests via multiple supported protocols
3. Due to the authorization bypass, these requests are processed without proper privilege verification
4. The attacker gains unauthorized ability to modify data or cause partial service disruption

The vulnerability requires low attack complexity with no special conditions or prerequisites, making it straightforward for attackers to exploit. No user interaction is required for successful exploitation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-21262

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database modification operations from unexpected or external IP addresses
• Anomalous connection patterns to MySQL Connector/ODBC services from unauthenticated sources
• Increased error rates or partial service degradation in MySQL connector components
• Unexpected data changes in tables accessible through the ODBC connector

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns targeting MySQL ODBC connector ports and protocols
• Implement database activity monitoring to detect unauthorized insert, update, or delete operations
• Deploy intrusion detection rules to identify exploitation attempts against Connector/ODBC
• Review authentication logs for failed or bypassed authorization events

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for MySQL Connector/ODBC connection attempts and operations
• Configure alerts for data modification operations originating from non-standard sources
• Establish baseline metrics for connector availability to detect partial DoS conditions
• Integrate MySQL connector logs with SIEM solutions for correlation analysis

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-21262

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the Oracle Critical Patch Update (October 2024) immediately to all affected systems
• Inventory all deployments using MySQL Connector/ODBC version 9.0.0 or earlier
• Restrict network access to MySQL connectors to trusted hosts and networks only
• Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of database connectivity components

Patch Information

Oracle has addressed this vulnerability in the October 2024 Critical Patch Update. Administrators should obtain the latest patched version of MySQL Connector/ODBC from the Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory. NetApp customers should also review the NetApp Security Advisory NTAP-20241025-0005 for additional guidance on affected products and remediation steps.

Workarounds

• Implement firewall rules to restrict access to MySQL Connector/ODBC services from untrusted networks
• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) or database firewall to filter malicious requests
• Enable strong authentication mechanisms at the network perimeter for database access
• Consider temporarily disabling the ODBC connector if not critical until patching is complete

# Example: Restrict MySQL Connector access with iptables
# Allow connections only from trusted application servers
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3306 -s trusted_app_server_ip -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3306 -j DROP

# Verify MySQL Connector/ODBC version
mysql --version
# Confirm ODBC driver version in system ODBC configuration
odbcinst -q -d