CVE-2014-2442 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.6.15 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to MyISAM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2442 resides within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.6.15 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that impacts the database management system's availability. This issue specifically targets the MyISAM storage engine implementation within the MySQL ecosystem, where the vulnerability manifests through unspecified vectors that can be exploited by remote authenticated users. The affected nature of this vulnerability stems from the inherent design and implementation weaknesses within the MyISAM table handling mechanisms, which form a fundamental component of MySQL's data storage architecture. Such vulnerabilities in database systems pose significant risks as they can potentially disrupt service availability and compromise the integrity of database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote authenticated access points, indicating that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to target the system. The MyISAM storage engine, which predates the more robust InnoDB engine, has long been recognized for its performance characteristics but also for various security limitations. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the database's availability through specific MyISAM-related operations, potentially leading to denial of service conditions. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for security professionals who must account for various potential attack surfaces. This type of vulnerability typically involves manipulation of database table structures, query execution paths, or resource allocation mechanisms within the MyISAM implementation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2442 extends beyond simple availability disruption to potentially compromise database integrity and system stability. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk of service interruption, data access denial, and potential system instability when this vulnerability is exploited. The remote nature of the attack means that threats can originate from external networks, increasing the attack surface and making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible database servers. This vulnerability directly impacts the principles of availability and integrity as defined by the CIA triad, potentially allowing attackers to render database services inaccessible to legitimate users while also possibly corrupting data structures. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities can lead to cascading effects throughout enterprise systems that depend on MySQL for data storage and retrieval operations, affecting business continuity and operational resilience.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2442 primarily focus on upgrading to patched versions of Oracle MySQL Server, specifically versions beyond 5.6.15 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all MySQL instances are updated promptly, as this vulnerability represents a known exploit that attackers actively target. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact by restricting unauthorized access to database systems. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous database access patterns and query execution behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weak buffer access in database systems, and may correlate with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service. Database administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as disabling unnecessary MyISAM tables, implementing robust authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of database configurations to minimize the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.