CVE-2012-0493 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-2012-0117, CVE-2012-0486, CVE-2012-0487, CVE-2012-0488, CVE-2012-0489, CVE-2012-0491, and CVE-2012-0495.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0493 represents a significant availability risk within Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.x implementations. This issue specifically targets the MySQL Server component and affects remote authenticated users who can potentially disrupt system availability through unspecified attack vectors. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same timeframe such as CVE-2012-0117, CVE-2012-0486, CVE-2012-0487, CVE-2012-0488, CVE-2012-0489, CVE-2012-0491, and CVE-2012-0495, this particular flaw operates through distinct mechanisms that compromise system reliability and service continuity. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authenticated attack means that an attacker must possess valid credentials to exploit the flaw, though this access requirement does not diminish the potential impact on system availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the MySQL Server's handling of certain operations that can lead to system instability or resource exhaustion. While the exact attack vectors remain unspecified in the CVE description, such availability-focused flaws typically exploit weaknesses in resource management, connection handling, or internal state processing within the database server. The fact that this vulnerability operates independently from other identified issues suggests it may involve different code paths or subsystems within the MySQL 5.5.x architecture, potentially affecting core database operations or connection management functions that are critical to maintaining system uptime.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2012-0493 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise business continuity and data availability. Remote authenticated attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can cause denial of service conditions that may require manual intervention to restore normal operations. The attack vector's remote nature means that systems are vulnerable to exploitation from network locations, making it particularly concerning for organizations with publicly accessible MySQL servers or those operating in environments where privileged users may be compromised. Organizations relying on MySQL 5.5.x for critical database operations face significant risk of service interruptions that could affect applications dependent on database availability.
The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE categories related to availability and resource management failures within database systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this type of vulnerability would fall under the service stoppage or availability disruption tactics, potentially enabling adversaries to perform sustained attacks that maintain system unavailability. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader database security assessments, particularly focusing on resource management and connection handling mechanisms. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch application from Oracle, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to MySQL services, and enhanced monitoring for unusual connection patterns or resource consumption that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Organizations should prioritize updating their MySQL Server installations to versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as the unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests the potential for various exploitation methods. The vulnerability's impact on availability makes it particularly critical for systems handling sensitive data or supporting business-critical applications where database uptime is essential. Security teams should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing availability-focused attacks. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of database server availability mechanisms to identify similar weaknesses that might not yet be publicly disclosed.