CVE-2014-6474 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.6.19 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to SERVER:MEMCACHED.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6474 resides within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.6.19 and earlier, specifically impacting the server component related to MEMCACHED functionality. This issue represents a significant security weakness that affects the availability aspect of the database system, enabling remote authenticated attackers to potentially disrupt service operations. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability description indicates that the exact technical flaw remains partially obscured, though the impact on system availability is clearly defined.
This vulnerability operates within the MySQL server architecture where MEMCACHED integration is implemented, creating a potential attack surface that malicious actors can exploit. The MEMCACHED plugin in MySQL allows for caching mechanisms to interface with memcached servers, which are commonly used for high-performance caching in distributed systems. When an authenticated user with appropriate privileges executes malicious operations against this component, the vulnerability can manifest in ways that compromise the availability of the MySQL server itself. The attack vector specifically targets the server-side implementation of MEMCACHED functionality, suggesting that the flaw may involve improper handling of memory operations or resource management within this integration layer.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6474 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially encompass complete system unavailability or degradation of service quality. Remote authenticated attackers who can establish connections to the MySQL server and leverage the MEMCACHED component can exploit this weakness to consume excessive system resources, cause memory corruption, or trigger denial-of-service conditions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-400, which addresses "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption" and represents a classic availability attack pattern. The threat landscape surrounding this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign database integration features can become attack vectors when proper input validation and resource management controls are absent.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical concern for organizations relying on MySQL server implementations with MEMCACHED integration. The remote attack capability means that adversaries need only authenticated access to potentially exploit this weakness, which could be achieved through legitimate user credentials or compromised accounts. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege and monitoring for anomalous behavior patterns within their database systems. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and denial-of-service attacks, particularly under the T1499 category for network denial-of-service and T1078 for valid accounts usage. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected MySQL server versions, implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers, and establishing robust monitoring protocols to detect unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to database security practices and the importance of comprehensive security testing for integrated components. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their database environments, paying particular attention to plugins and extensions that provide additional functionality. The MEMCACHED integration in MySQL servers serves as a reminder that third-party integration components can introduce unexpected security risks, particularly when they involve memory management and caching operations. Security teams must maintain awareness of all active database plugins and their potential attack surfaces, as these components often receive less scrutiny than core database functionality. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security updates and patch management processes, as unpatched systems remain vulnerable to exploitation attempts that can result in service disruption and potential data availability issues.