# CVE-2017-3265: Oracle MySQL and MariaDB privilege escalation in Server Packaging

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2017-3265-oracle-mysql-and-mariadb-privilege-escalation-in-server-packaging  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2017-01-27. Updated: 2026-05-13  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2017-3265 · Severity: medium · CVSS 5.6 · Published 2017-01-27

A vulnerability in the MySQL and MariaDB database server packaging and initialization scripts could allow a highly privileged local user to compromise the database. If exploited, an attacker could gain unauthorized access to all database data or cause the server to crash, leading to a service outage. This attack is difficult to perform as it requires specific local access and interaction from another user.

Technologies: [Oracle MySQL Server](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/mysql-server). Vendors: [Oracle](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/oracle).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2017-3265 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2017-3265 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2017-3265?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 5.6, published 27 January 2017.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.53 and earlier, 5.6.34 and earlier, 5.7.16 and earlier.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2017-3265?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2017-3265 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2017-3265?** Check whether you run Oracle MySQL Server at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability exists within the MySQL/MariaDB init scripts and packaging subcomponent, specifically related to how the database data directory is initialized and how permissions are set on error log files. A local attacker with high privileges (such as the 'mysql' operating system user) can exploit these flaws to escalate privileges to root or gain unauthorized access to all MySQL-accessible data. The attack is characterized by high complexity, requiring local infrastructure access and human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Impact includes potential for a complete denial-of-service (DOS) via repeatable crashes and unauthorized confidentiality loss. Patches are available in MySQL 5.5.54, 5.6.35, 5.7.17 and MariaDB 10.0.29.

## Affected products

- Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.53 and earlier, 5.6.34 and earlier, 5.7.16 and earlier
- MariaDB Foundation MariaDB 5.5.0 up to 5.5.54, 10.0.0 up to 10.0.29, 10.1.0 up to 10.1.21

## Timeline

- 2017-01-19: advisory: Debian released DSA-3767-1 for mysql-5.5
- 2017-01-27: disclosed: NVD publication date

## References

- [http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3767](http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3767)
- [http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3770](http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3770)
- [http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujan2017-2881727.html](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujan2017-2881727.html)
- [http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95520](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95520)
- [http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037640](http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037640)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2192](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2192)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2787](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2787)

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