CVE-2013-3811 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.6.11 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to InnoDB, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3806.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3811 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server's InnoDB storage engine implementation. This issue affects MySQL versions 5.6.11 and earlier, where authenticated remote attackers can potentially disrupt system availability through unspecified attack vectors specifically related to InnoDB functionality. The vulnerability operates within the MySQL Server component, which serves as the core database management system for countless applications and services worldwide, making its exploitation particularly concerning for enterprise environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in its relationship to InnoDB's internal processing mechanisms, though the exact vector remains unspecified in the initial description. This ambiguity suggests that the flaw could manifest through various attack paths within the InnoDB storage engine's transaction handling, locking mechanisms, or memory management systems. The fact that this vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2013-3806 indicates that it operates through different code paths or system components within the MySQL architecture, potentially affecting different aspects of database operation and availability. InnoDB's role as MySQL's default storage engine for transactional applications makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could impact critical business operations that rely on data consistency and availability.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could enable authenticated attackers to cause service disruption or complete system unavailability, potentially affecting database integrity and business continuity. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, allowing attackers to target vulnerable MySQL installations from external networks. The authenticated requirement suggests that attackers must first gain valid credentials, but this access level still provides substantial risk as it allows for more sophisticated attacks targeting system availability rather than simple data theft. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential downtime, data access issues, and service disruption that could cascade through dependent applications and services.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory management and data handling, particularly in database systems where improper handling of storage engine components can lead to availability issues. The attack surface for such vulnerabilities often maps to ATT&CK techniques involving service stoppage or denial of service operations, where attackers leverage system weaknesses to disrupt availability. Organizations should implement immediate patch management strategies to upgrade to MySQL versions beyond 5.6.11, while also monitoring for any additional information about specific attack vectors that may emerge. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of authenticated access to database systems, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in database infrastructure components.