CVE-2012-0117 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.5.x allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-0486, CVE-2012-0487, CVE-2012-0488, CVE-2012-0489, CVE-2012-0491, CVE-2012-0493, and CVE-2012-0495.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0117 represents a critical availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server version 5.5.x, specifically targeting the server component's resilience against remote authenticated attacks. This weakness operates within the broader context of database security where maintaining system availability is paramount for business continuity and data integrity. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, which is common in cases where the precise exploitation vector has not been fully detailed in public reports or where the disclosure might aid malicious actors in developing targeted attacks. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same timeframe such as CVE-2012-0486 through CVE-2012-0495 which were more clearly defined, this issue operates in a grey area where the attack surface is not fully mapped but the potential for disruption is significant.
The technical flaw embedded within MySQL Server 5.5.x manifests as a weakness that permits authenticated remote attackers to compromise system availability without direct access to system resources or privileged execution contexts. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of availability-focused attacks that target the fundamental operational integrity of database services. The authenticated requirement indicates that attackers must possess valid credentials or have established legitimate access to the system, which reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely since compromised accounts can be leveraged for such attacks. The unspecified nature of the vectors suggests that the vulnerability could potentially be exploited through multiple pathways including but not limited to resource exhaustion, connection manipulation, or service disruption mechanisms that are not explicitly defined in the vulnerability description.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to database environments that rely on MySQL Server 5.5.x for critical business operations. The potential for availability disruption means that legitimate users and applications dependent on database services may experience service outages, performance degradation, or complete system unavailability. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the database availability aspect of the CIA triad, where the compromise of availability can lead to substantial business disruption, financial loss, and potential compliance violations. Organizations using affected MySQL versions may face situations where database services become unresponsive or crash entirely, affecting all applications and users dependent on those services, particularly in mission-critical environments where database uptime is essential for operations.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2012-0117 should prioritize immediate patching and updating of affected MySQL Server installations to the latest secure versions provided by Oracle. System administrators must implement robust monitoring solutions to detect unusual patterns in database connections, resource usage, or service behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to database systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected MySQL Server versions and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authenticated issue means that network-based protections such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and proper authentication mechanisms become crucial defensive measures. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability likely relates to CWE-400 which covers "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption" or similar resource management flaws, while ATT&CK framework references would align with techniques such as T1499 for network denial of service and T1078 for valid account exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to validate the effectiveness of implemented controls and identify any additional vulnerabilities that may exist within the database infrastructure.