CVE-2012-0102 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.0.x and 5.1.x allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-0087 and CVE-2012-0101.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0102 represents a significant availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.0.x and 5.1.x. This issue specifically targets the MySQL Server component and affects remote authenticated users who can potentially disrupt system availability through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability exists in versions that were widely deployed across enterprise environments, making it particularly concerning from a security operations perspective. Unlike other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2012-0087 and CVE-2012-0101, this flaw operates through distinct mechanisms that compromise system stability and service availability.
This vulnerability falls under the broader category of availability attacks that can be classified as CWE-400, which represents "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption" or "Resource Exhaustion" in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the flaw may involve multiple pathways through which an authenticated attacker could consume system resources or trigger memory corruption that leads to service disruption. The fact that this vulnerability affects MySQL Server components indicates that it likely involves core database engine functionality that handles client connections, query processing, or resource management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0102 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially lead to complete system unavailability or require manual intervention to restore normal operations. Attackers with valid authentication credentials can exploit this vulnerability to cause database server processes to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users. This type of attack vector aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the "Denial of Service" tactic, where adversaries target system resources to prevent legitimate users from accessing services.
From a security engineering perspective, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive testing and validation of database server components, particularly in multi-version deployment scenarios. Organizations running affected MySQL versions should prioritize patching and mitigation strategies, as the vulnerability affects widely used database server versions that support critical business applications. The authentication requirement for exploitation means that while the attack surface is limited to authorized users, it still poses significant risk in environments where privileged accounts are compromised or where insider threats exist. Security teams should implement monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the need for robust database security practices and regular vulnerability assessment programs to identify and remediate such availability threats before they can be leveraged by malicious actors.