CVE-2012-1688 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.1.61 and earlier, and 5.5.21 and earlier, allows remote authenticated users to affect availability, related to Server DML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1688 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL database systems, specifically affecting versions 5.1.61 and earlier, as well as 5.5.21 and earlier. This issue represents a significant security concern that impacts the availability of database services, making it particularly dangerous for production environments where database uptime is critical. The vulnerability is classified as an unspecified weakness within the Server DML (Data Manipulation Language) functionality, which forms the core of database operations involving data insertion, update, and deletion processes.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated remote users leverage specific conditions within the DML processing mechanisms to disrupt database availability. While the exact nature of the vulnerability remains unspecified in the public description, such issues typically involve memory corruption, resource exhaustion, or improper handling of database operations that can lead to service disruption. The DML context suggests that the vulnerability may be triggered through carefully crafted SQL statements that manipulate data within the database structure, potentially causing the MySQL server process to crash or become unresponsive. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of availability attacks that target database server stability and reliability.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1688 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database infrastructures. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause MySQL server processes to terminate unexpectedly, leading to database unavailability that affects all applications and services dependent on that database. Organizations relying on MySQL for critical business operations face significant risks including data access interruptions, transaction failures, and potential data loss scenarios. The authenticated nature of the attack means that only users with valid database credentials can exploit this vulnerability, but this limitation does not reduce the potential impact since compromised accounts or insider threats could easily leverage this weakness. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service and CWE-119 for memory corruption issues, representing a critical threat to database availability and system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1688 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to MySQL versions that have addressed this vulnerability, specifically moving beyond the affected 5.1.61 and 5.5.21 releases. Database administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by restricting remote access to database servers. Additionally, implementing robust monitoring solutions that track database server stability and availability metrics provides early detection capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current database software versions and following security best practices for database administration. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing help identify similar weaknesses that could be exploited in database environments, making comprehensive security strategies essential for protecting against such availability-focused threats.