CVE-2014-6464 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.39 and earlier and 5.6.20 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to SERVER:INNODB DML FOREIGN KEYS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6464 represents a critical availability issue within Oracle MySQL Server affecting versions 5.5.39 and earlier, as well as 5.6.20 and earlier. This weakness resides within the server component specifically related to INNODB DML FOREIGN KEYS operations, creating a potential avenue for remote authenticated attackers to disrupt system availability. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability description indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though the impact on system availability is clearly defined. Such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning in database environments where continuous availability is paramount for business operations and data integrity.
The technical flaw manifests within the InnoDB storage engine's handling of foreign key constraints during Data Manipulation Language operations. When processing foreign key relationships, the MySQL server encounters a condition that can lead to service disruption or complete unavailability. This vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between the InnoDB storage engine and foreign key constraint enforcement, where legitimate database operations can trigger unexpected behavior resulting in system instability. The attack vector requires remote authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to the MySQL server before exploiting this weakness. This authentication requirement reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the severity of potential impact.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6464 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential data loss scenarios and business continuity implications. Organizations relying on MySQL databases for critical applications face significant risk when this vulnerability exists in their environment, as database unavailability can cascade into broader system failures. The vulnerability affects the fundamental database operations that maintain referential integrity, potentially causing cascading failures in applications dependent on consistent database availability. This type of availability compromise directly impacts the CIA triad, specifically targeting the availability component while potentially affecting integrity through inconsistent transaction handling. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would fall under CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Buffer Range, as it involves improper handling of operations within database engine boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6464 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL server versions to the latest available releases. Organizations must ensure that all MySQL installations are updated to versions that have addressed this specific InnoDB foreign key constraint handling issue. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit authentication access to MySQL servers, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual database behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Database administrators should implement regular vulnerability assessments and maintain updated security patches for all database components. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1489 Service Stop, as it specifically targets database service availability through manipulation of core database engine operations. Additionally, implementing proper database access logging and audit trails can help detect unauthorized access attempts that may lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.