CVE-2024-20982 is a vulnerability in the Oracle MySQL Server's Optimizer component affecting versions 8.0.35 and earlier, as well as 8.2.0 and earlier. The flaw allows a high privileged attacker with network access to exploit multiple protocols to cause the MySQL Server to hang or crash repeatedly, resulting in a complete denial of service (DoS). The vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity but severely impacts availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.9, reflecting a medium severity primarily due to the availability impact. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), but needs high privileges (PR:H) and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the ease of causing a DoS with network access and high privileges makes it a concern for environments where MySQL is exposed or where privileged users might be compromised. The vulnerability affects multiple protocols supported by MySQL Server, increasing the attack surface. Since MySQL is widely used in enterprise and web applications, this vulnerability could disrupt critical database services if exploited. Oracle has published the vulnerability details but no direct patch links were provided in the source information, indicating organizations should monitor Oracle advisories for updates.

For European organizations, the primary impact is operational disruption due to denial of service on MySQL database servers. This can affect business-critical applications relying on MySQL for data storage and retrieval, leading to downtime, loss of productivity, and potential financial losses. Industries such as finance, telecommunications, e-commerce, and public sector entities that depend heavily on database availability are at higher risk. The vulnerability requires high privileges, so insider threats or compromised administrative accounts pose the greatest risk. Since the vulnerability does not allow data theft or modification, the confidentiality and integrity of data remain intact, but service availability is compromised. Repeated crashes could also lead to cascading failures in dependent systems or services. European organizations with MySQL servers exposed to internal or external networks without strict access controls are particularly vulnerable. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially in targeted attacks or insider scenarios.

Organizations should immediately verify the MySQL Server versions in use and plan to upgrade to patched versions once Oracle releases them. Until patches are available, restrict network access to MySQL servers to trusted hosts only, using firewalls and network segmentation. Enforce strict access controls and monitor for any unusual activity from privileged accounts. Implement robust authentication and authorization policies to minimize the risk of privilege escalation. Regularly audit MySQL server logs for signs of attempted exploitation or crashes. Consider deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) tuned to detect anomalies in MySQL traffic. Backup critical databases frequently to ensure rapid recovery in case of service disruption. Engage with Oracle support or security advisories to stay informed about patch availability and recommended configurations. Additionally, review and harden MySQL server configurations to disable unused protocols or features that could be exploited.