CVE-2012-0583 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.1.60 and earlier, and 5.5.19 and earlier, allows remote authenticated users to affect availability, related to MyISAM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0583 represents a significant availability threat within the MySQL database server ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.1.60 and 5.5.19. This issue resides within the MyISAM storage engine implementation and affects authenticated remote attackers who can leverage this weakness to disrupt database operations. The vulnerability impacts the core functionality of MySQL servers running affected versions, potentially leading to service disruption and data accessibility issues that could cascade into broader system availability problems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling within the MyISAM storage engine when processing certain database operations. MyISAM is a storage engine that uses table-level locking and does not support transactions, making it particularly susceptible to race conditions and resource management issues when multiple concurrent operations occur. Attackers with valid authentication credentials can exploit this weakness by crafting specific database queries or operations that trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions within the server process. The vulnerability operates at the database engine level rather than at the network protocol layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who already have legitimate access to the database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0583 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire database availability posture. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can cause MySQL server processes to crash or become unresponsive, leading to denial of service conditions that affect all database operations. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face risks of extended downtime, potential data loss, and operational disruption that can impact business continuity. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in production environments where database availability is critical for application functionality, as it can be triggered by authenticated users who may have legitimate access rights but could abuse their privileges to cause system instability.
From a security framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and relates to the broader category of availability threats within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 technique for network denial of service. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to patched versions of MySQL, implementing proper access controls to limit authentication privileges, and monitoring for suspicious database activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current database software versions and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Security teams should prioritize this vulnerability in their risk assessment matrices due to its potential for causing widespread service disruption and the relatively straightforward nature of the exploitation method.