CVE-2026-46871 Overview
CVE-2026-46871 affects the Oracle MySQL Shell product, specifically the Shell for VS Code component. The flaw exists in version 2026.2.0+9.6.1 and allows a low-privileged attacker with network access to compromise MySQL Shell through multiple protocols. The weakness maps to [CWE-284] (Improper Access Control). Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized read access to all MySQL Shell-accessible data. Oracle disclosed this issue in the June 2026 Critical Patch Update Security Alert.
Critical Impact
An authenticated, low-privileged remote attacker can obtain unauthorized access to confidential data accessible through MySQL Shell for VS Code.
Affected Products
- Oracle MySQL Shell
- MySQL Shell for VS Code component
- Version 2026.2.0+9.6.1
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-17 - CVE-2026-46871 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-46871
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the MySQL Shell for VS Code extension, a developer-facing component used to interact with MySQL servers from Visual Studio Code. The issue is classified under [CWE-284] Improper Access Control, indicating that the component fails to correctly restrict who or what can access protected resources.
Attackers require network access and low-level privileges to exploit the flaw. No user interaction is needed, and the attack complexity is low. The impact is limited to confidentiality, meaning the integrity and availability of the MySQL Shell are not directly affected.
Exploitation can result in either unauthorized access to a subset of critical data or complete read access to all data reachable through MySQL Shell, depending on the targeted session and privileges. The EPSS probability is 0.326%, placing the CVE in the 24th percentile for likelihood of near-term exploitation.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper enforcement of access control boundaries within the MySQL Shell for VS Code component. The component does not adequately validate access requests, allowing a low-privileged actor on the network to retrieve data that should be restricted to higher-privileged sessions.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and supports multiple protocols. An attacker authenticated with low privileges can reach the vulnerable Shell instance over the network and issue requests that bypass the intended access checks. See the Oracle Critical Patch Update Security Alert for vendor-supplied technical details.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code is available for CVE-2026-46871 at the time of publication.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-46871
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected MySQL Shell for VS Code sessions originating from low-privileged accounts or unfamiliar network locations.
- Anomalous read queries returning large volumes of data outside of normal developer workflows.
- Repeated authentication events from the same low-privileged identity across multiple protocols supported by MySQL Shell.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed MySQL Shell versions across developer workstations and identify any instance running 2026.2.0+9.6.1.
- Correlate VS Code extension telemetry with MySQL audit logs to identify Shell-initiated sessions tied to low-privileged accounts.
- Baseline normal data access patterns for developer accounts and alert on deviations in query volume or scope.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable MySQL server audit logging for all sessions initiated through the Shell client and forward events to a centralized analytics platform.
- Monitor network traffic to MySQL endpoints for connections from non-standard developer hosts.
- Track installation and update events for the MySQL Shell for VS Code extension across managed endpoints.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-46871
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all systems running MySQL Shell for VS Code version 2026.2.0+9.6.1 and prioritize them for patching.
- Apply the fixes referenced in the Oracle June 2026 Critical Patch Update Security Alert.
- Review MySQL account privileges and remove unnecessary access from low-privileged users that interact with Shell.
Patch Information
Oracle published remediation guidance in the June 2026 Critical Patch Update Security Alert. Administrators should consult the Oracle Security Alert to obtain the corrected MySQL Shell release and apply it across all affected developer endpoints.
Workarounds
- Restrict network reachability to MySQL servers so that only trusted developer subnets can initiate Shell connections.
- Enforce least-privilege on MySQL accounts used through the Shell, granting only the minimum data access required.
- Disable or uninstall the MySQL Shell for VS Code extension on endpoints that do not require it until patching is complete.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
