CVE-2012-1735 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.23 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server Optimizer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1735 represents a critical availability issue within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.23 and earlier, specifically within the Server Optimizer component. This flaw affects authenticated remote attackers who can potentially disrupt service availability through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability resides in the optimizer module which is responsible for determining the most efficient execution plan for database queries, making it a particularly dangerous weakness since it directly impacts the core functionality of the database system.
From a technical perspective, the unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors makes this issue particularly challenging to analyze and mitigate. The Server Optimizer in MySQL is responsible for query execution planning and optimization, and when compromised, can lead to system instability or complete service disruption. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the category of denial of service conditions where the attacker can manipulate query execution paths to cause the database server to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in the optimizer component which handles complex query execution plans and can be exploited through authenticated connections to the database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1735 extends beyond simple service disruption, as database availability is fundamental to most enterprise applications and services. When an authenticated user can exploit this vulnerability, it creates a scenario where legitimate database users with appropriate credentials can cause system-wide outages. This represents a significant security risk since it allows for internal compromise that can escalate to broader system availability issues. The vulnerability affects the core database functionality and can potentially be leveraged to cause cascading failures in applications that depend on MySQL for their data operations.
The attack surface for this vulnerability involves any authenticated connection to the MySQL server where the optimizer component is utilized. This includes legitimate database users who can submit queries that trigger the problematic code path within the optimizer. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication, meaning that any user with valid credentials can potentially exploit this weakness. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks and represents a critical weakness in the database server's ability to maintain availability under legitimate user operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1735 primarily focus on immediate patching and version upgrades to MySQL Server versions that address this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to MySQL 5.5.24 or later, as this represents the first version that includes fixes for the optimizer-related issues. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the scope of potential exploitation by restricting unauthorized access to database systems. Database administrators should also consider implementing query monitoring and limiting user privileges to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date database systems and implementing proper security controls around database access. This issue highlights the critical need for regular security assessments and patch management processes, particularly for core database components that handle query execution and optimization. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual query patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability type is categorized under CWE-119 which deals with weak buffer access, though the specific vector is not clearly defined in the CVE description. The issue represents a significant threat to database availability and can be leveraged in various attack scenarios that involve manipulating query execution paths. The fact that this vulnerability affects the optimizer component means that even legitimate database operations can potentially trigger the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database performance and availability are critical. The vulnerability underscores the importance of thorough testing and validation of database updates to ensure that security patches do not introduce compatibility issues while addressing known weaknesses in database systems.