CVE-2023-21980

HIGH

MySQL < 5.7.41 and 8.0.32 - Authenticated Remote Code Execution via Client Programs

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2023-21980. PoCs published by ctkqiang.

AI-analyzed exploit summary The repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2023-21980, targeting a MySQL client vulnerability via a malicious shared library loaded through a crafted server response. The exploit leverages UTF-16 encoding to bypass path validation and achieve arbitrary code execution.

Description

Vulnerability in the MySQL Server product of Oracle MySQL (component: Client programs). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.41 and prior and 8.0.32 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of MySQL Server. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 7.1 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

Exploits (1)

github WORKING POC 4 stars
by ctkqiang · gopoc
https://github.com/ctkqiang/CVE-Exploits/tree/main/CVE-2023-21980

The repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2023-21980, targeting a MySQL client vulnerability via a malicious shared library loaded through a crafted server response. The exploit leverages UTF-16 encoding to bypass path validation and achieve arbitrary code execution.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: MySQL client (versions < 8.0.33)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: gcc · netcat · MySQL client < 8.0.33
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 27, 2026 Full analysis →

References (2)

Core 2

Scores

CVSS v3 7.1
EPSS 0.0043
EPSS Percentile 63.5%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation none
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Details

CWE
CWE-284
Status published
Products (1)
oracle/mysql 5.0.0 - 5.7.41
Published Apr 18, 2023
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026