CVE-2013-1548 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.1.63 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server Types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1548 resides within Oracle MySQL database software versions 5.1.63 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that affects the availability of database services. This unspecified vulnerability operates within the server types component of MySQL, indicating that the issue manifests in how the database server processes certain types of requests or handles specific server operations. The vulnerability requires remote authenticated access, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to exploit the flaw, though this authentication requirement does not prevent the potential for significant system disruption. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors suggests that the exact mechanism through which availability is compromised remains partially obscured in the initial disclosure, though the impact is clearly focused on service availability rather than data confidentiality or integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability appears to involve manipulation of server type operations within the MySQL 5.1.x series, where the database server may fail to properly handle certain requests or maintain stable operations under specific conditions. This type of vulnerability often stems from improper input validation, memory management issues, or flawed state handling within the server processes. The impact on availability could manifest through server crashes, process termination, resource exhaustion, or denial of service conditions that prevent legitimate users from accessing database services. Given that MySQL is widely deployed across enterprise environments, the potential for cascading failures exists, particularly in environments where database availability is critical for business operations. The vulnerability's classification as affecting server types suggests that it may involve specific data type handling, storage engine interactions, or protocol processing that triggers the availability compromise.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to database availability and system reliability, particularly in environments where MySQL 5.1.x versions remain in production. The requirement for remote authenticated access limits the scope of potential exploitation compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities, yet the availability impact remains severe enough to warrant immediate attention. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face the risk of service disruption, potential data loss, and business continuity impacts when this vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability may be exploited through various authenticated channels including database connections, administrative interfaces, or application-level connections that utilize MySQL as a backend. Attackers could potentially cause sustained availability issues through repeated exploitation attempts, leading to prolonged service degradation or complete system outages.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2013-1548 centers primarily on upgrading to patched versions of Oracle MySQL, specifically versions beyond 5.1.63 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should prioritize updating their MySQL installations to the latest supported versions, which include security patches that resolve the availability issues. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of authenticated exploitation by reducing the number of systems that can access MySQL services. Database administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability may relate to CWE-119 Improper Access Control or CWE-400 Uncontrolled Resource Consumption, while ATT&CK framework references suggest potential techniques under T1499 Network Denial of Service and T1078 Valid Accounts for maintaining access during exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable MySQL versions within the organization's infrastructure.