CVE-2012-0492 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 availability via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-0112, CVE-2012-0115, CVE-2012-0119, CVE-2012-0120, and CVE-2012-0485.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0492 represents a significant availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.1.x and 5.5.x. This flaw specifically targets the MySQL Server component and enables remote authenticated attackers to disrupt system availability through unspecified attack vectors. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same advisory such as CVE-2012-0112, CVE-2012-0115, CVE-2012-0119, CVE-2012-0120, and CVE-2012-0485, this particular vulnerability operates through distinct mechanisms that compromise the server's ability to maintain consistent service availability. The classification as an availability-focused vulnerability indicates that attackers can potentially cause denial of service conditions that affect legitimate users and systems relying on MySQL database services.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the complex interaction between authentication mechanisms and server resource management within MySQL's architecture. When authenticated users exploit this weakness, they can manipulate server processes in ways that lead to resource exhaustion, process termination, or other destabilizing conditions. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw may manifest through multiple attack pathways including but not limited to memory corruption, thread management issues, or connection handling anomalies that are characteristic of database server security weaknesses. This type of vulnerability typically requires attackers to have valid authentication credentials to the MySQL server, making it particularly concerning for environments where access controls are not properly enforced.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0492 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise business continuity and data availability for organizations relying on MySQL databases. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can cause MySQL server processes to crash or become unresponsive, leading to extended downtime for database services that applications and users depend upon. The remote nature of the attack means that malicious actors can leverage this weakness from external networks without requiring physical access to the database infrastructure. Organizations may experience cascading effects as applications dependent on MySQL services fail, potentially leading to data loss, financial impact, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed MySQL versions 5.1.x and 5.5.x means that numerous production systems could be affected, making this a critical concern for database administrators and security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0492 should prioritize immediate patching and updates from Oracle to address the specific vulnerability within MySQL Server components. Organizations must ensure that all MySQL installations are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes, as the vulnerability affects multiple major releases that were widely deployed across enterprise environments. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit authentication access to MySQL servers, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual connection patterns, process behavior, or resource utilization that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper firewall rules and limiting network access to MySQL ports can help prevent unauthorized access. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses memory safety issues, and may map to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and denial of service. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in database server configurations and implementations.