CVE-2012-0118 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.1.x and 5.5.x allows remote authenticated users to affect confidentiality and availability via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-0113.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0118 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.1.x and 5.5.x that affects remote authenticated users. This issue falls under the broader category of database server vulnerabilities that can compromise both confidentiality and availability aspects of the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through unspecified vectors that differ from CVE-2012-0113, indicating a distinct attack surface that requires careful analysis and mitigation strategies. The affected MySQL versions represent widely deployed database systems that serve as foundational components for numerous applications and services across enterprise environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the MySQL Server component's handling of authenticated user connections and requests, where remote attackers with valid credentials can potentially exploit unspecified weaknesses to compromise system integrity. This type of vulnerability typically involves flaws in access control mechanisms, input validation, or resource management within the database server's processing pipeline. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple attack paths including but not limited to memory corruption issues, improper privilege handling, or denial of service conditions that can be triggered through authenticated connections. Such vulnerabilities often align with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) or CWE-476 (NULL Pointer Dereference) categories, depending on the specific implementation flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0118 extends beyond simple data confidentiality breaches to include potential availability disruption that can severely impact business operations. Remote authenticated users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially cause data leakage through unauthorized access to sensitive database information while simultaneously creating conditions that may lead to system instability or complete service disruption. The combination of confidentiality and availability impacts makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where database systems handle critical business data and maintain continuous service availability. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face risks of data exfiltration, service degradation, and potential regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0118 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to the latest available security updates from Oracle. System administrators must ensure that all MySQL instances running versions 5.1.x and 5.5.x are upgraded to patched versions that address the unspecified vulnerability vectors. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation by restricting unauthorized access to database systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected MySQL versions within their infrastructure and implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and data exposure, making comprehensive defensive measures essential for protecting against both current and potential future exploitation attempts.