CVE-2012-1756 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1756 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.23 and earlier, where remote authenticated users can potentially disrupt system availability through unspecified attack vectors. This flaw resides within the database server's core functionality and demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database software to prevent unauthorized disruption of services. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it may encompass multiple potential exploitation pathways that security teams must consider when assessing their threat landscape.
This vulnerability falls under the category of availability impact, which aligns with CWE-119 - Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, and potentially CWE-400 - Uncontrolled Resource Consumption, as the attack could lead to resource exhaustion or system instability. The fact that authenticated users can exploit this vulnerability suggests that attackers must first establish valid credentials, but this authentication requirement does not necessarily mitigate the severity of the impact. The vulnerability operates at the database server level, affecting MySQL's ability to maintain consistent service availability, which directly impacts the operational integrity of applications relying on database connectivity.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1756 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise business continuity and data availability. When an authenticated user can cause availability issues in a database server, it creates a scenario where legitimate users may experience service degradation or complete outages, depending on the specific vector of exploitation. This vulnerability could enable attackers to consume excessive system resources, cause database server crashes, or otherwise render the database service unavailable to authorized users. The implications are particularly severe for mission-critical applications where database availability is paramount, as this vulnerability could lead to significant financial losses and operational downtime.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1756 should focus on immediate software updates to versions beyond 5.5.23, as Oracle would have likely addressed this vulnerability in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement robust access controls and monitor database server logs for unusual activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to database servers to only necessary systems and users. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely involve techniques such as T1499.004 - Endpoint Denial of Service and T1566.001 - Phishing, as attackers may need to establish authenticated sessions before exploiting this weakness. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database configurations and ensure that security controls remain effective against evolving threats.