CVE-2014-6463 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.38 and earlier and 5.6.19 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to SERVER:REPLICATION ROW FORMAT BINARY LOG DML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6463 represents a critical availability issue within Oracle MySQL Server affecting versions 5.5.38 and earlier, as well as 5.6.19 and earlier. This weakness exists in the server's replication functionality when processing binary log data manipulation language operations, creating a potential avenue for remote attackers to disrupt system availability. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though it clearly relates to the server's handling of replication data within the binary logging framework.
The technical flaw manifests specifically within the SERVER:REPLICATION ROW FORMAT BINARY LOG DML component of MySQL's architecture, suggesting that the vulnerability exploits how the database server processes and manages replication events when these events are stored in binary log format using row-based replication. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the server fails to properly validate or handle certain replication data structures, potentially leading to resource exhaustion, memory corruption, or process termination. The binary log system serves as a critical component for maintaining data consistency across replicated database instances, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it targets the core replication infrastructure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables authenticated remote attackers to potentially cause denial of service conditions within MySQL server environments. The ability to affect availability through replication-related operations means that database administrators could face unexpected system outages or performance degradation, particularly in environments relying heavily on replication for data distribution or high availability configurations. The attack vector requiring authentication suggests that while the vulnerability is accessible remotely, it requires valid credentials, but this still represents a significant security risk as it could be exploited by compromised accounts or insiders with legitimate access privileges.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory management and buffer handling, particularly when dealing with data processing in database systems. Additionally, this issue maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers "Network Denial of Service" and T1566.002 for "Phishing via Service" if the vulnerability is exploited through compromised legitimate accounts. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential business disruption, data unavailability, and increased recovery costs when such attacks occur. The binary log system's role in maintaining replication consistency makes this vulnerability particularly impactful in clustered or replicated database environments where service continuity is paramount for business operations.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL server versions to the latest available releases. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to MySQL servers and enforce strict authentication controls. Monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual replication activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious replication-related traffic patterns. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar issues within database infrastructure components.