CVE-2014-2436 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.36 and earlier and 5.6.16 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via vectors related to RBR.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2436 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server affecting versions 5.5.36 and earlier, as well as 5.6.16 and earlier. This issue resides within the replication functionality of the database system and specifically relates to Row-Based Replication (RBR) mechanisms. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability description indicates that the exact technical implementation details were not fully disclosed in the initial reporting, but the impact assessment clearly establishes that authenticated remote attackers can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The vulnerability operates through vectors connected to RBR, which is a critical component of MySQL's replication architecture that synchronizes data changes between master and slave servers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs within the context of MySQL's replication subsystem where row-based logging and replication processes are handled. When RBR is enabled in MySQL configurations, the database server logs individual row changes rather than statement-based changes, which provides more granular replication control but also introduces additional attack surface. The flaw likely manifests in how MySQL processes or validates replication events when they are transmitted from master to slave servers, potentially allowing authenticated users with appropriate privileges to manipulate replication streams or inject malicious data that can affect the entire replicated database infrastructure. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of data integrity and availability threats within database systems, as the attacker can potentially corrupt replication data or disrupt the replication process entirely.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2436 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it affects the fundamental reliability and trustworthiness of database replication operations. Organizations relying on MySQL replication for high availability, disaster recovery, or load distribution may experience complete service disruption if the vulnerability is exploited successfully. The confidentiality aspect suggests that sensitive data could be exposed through manipulated replication streams, while the integrity component indicates potential data corruption or unauthorized modifications that could go undetected within the replicated environment. Availability is compromised when replication processes are disrupted or when the vulnerability allows for resource exhaustion attacks that prevent legitimate replication operations from completing successfully. This vulnerability directly impacts database administrators' ability to maintain consistent and reliable data synchronization across their infrastructure.
Security mitigations for CVE-2014-2436 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of Oracle MySQL Server where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper code modifications and validation procedures. Organizations should implement immediate patch management protocols to update their MySQL installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the number of authenticated users who can access replication-related functions, thereby reducing the attack surface. Database administrators should also consider disabling RBR if it is not essential for their operations, or implementing additional monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous replication behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices within database systems, aligning with CWE categories related to improper input validation and insecure data handling within database applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to techniques involving privilege escalation and data manipulation within database environments, requiring organizations to implement comprehensive database security monitoring and access control measures to prevent unauthorized exploitation.