CVE-2014-4238 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.6.17 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to SROPTZR.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4238 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL versions 5.6.17 and earlier, representing a significant threat to database availability and system stability. This unspecified weakness specifically targets the SROPTZR functionality within the MySQL server architecture, creating potential pathways for remote authenticated attackers to disrupt service availability. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that malicious actors can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where database servers are accessible over the internet or internal networks. The SROPTZR component appears to be integral to MySQL's query optimization and execution processes, suggesting that exploitation could potentially impact how the database handles complex queries and resource allocation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of internal MySQL server processes that govern query optimization and resource management. When an authenticated user with appropriate privileges sends specially crafted requests to the MySQL server, the SROPTZR subsystem may fail to properly handle these inputs, leading to unexpected behavior that can result in service disruption or complete unavailability of the database server. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the category of availability attacks, where the primary goal is to deny legitimate users access to database services rather than to extract sensitive information or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The fact that exploitation requires authentication suggests that the vulnerability may be triggered through legitimate administrative or user accounts, potentially making detection more challenging as the malicious activity would appear to originate from authorized sources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents substantial risks to organizations relying on MySQL databases for critical business operations. Database unavailability can cascade through entire application ecosystems, affecting web applications, enterprise systems, and any services dependent on the affected MySQL instances. The potential for denial-of-service conditions means that organizations could experience significant downtime, revenue loss, and customer dissatisfaction if attackers successfully exploit this weakness. The vulnerability's presence in MySQL 5.6.17 and earlier versions indicates that it has been present for an extended period, allowing potential attackers to develop and refine exploitation techniques. Organizations running these older versions face heightened risk as they may not have access to the security patches and fixes that would address this specific weakness.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack frameworks such as the ATT&CK matrix, where it aligns with techniques related to service disruption and availability attacks. The vulnerability's classification under CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) would likely fall within categories related to resource management or input validation failures that could lead to denial-of-service conditions. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to MySQL versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as patch management becomes critical in preventing exploitation. Additionally, implementing network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring for unusual database activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current database software versions and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.