CVE-2014-6494 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 attackers to affect availability via vectors related to CLIENT:SSL:yaSSL, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-6496.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6494 represents a significant availability risk within Oracle MySQL Server implementations that affects multiple version ranges including 5.5.39 and earlier, as well as 5.6.20 and earlier releases. This flaw specifically targets the client-side ssl yaSSL component within the MySQL server architecture, creating a potential avenue for remote attackers to disrupt system availability. The vulnerability is classified as unspecified in its exact nature but is clearly distinct from CVE-2014-6496, indicating a separate attack surface within the same product line. The affected components operate within the broader context of database server security where client authentication and secure communication protocols are critical for maintaining system integrity and availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the interaction between MySQL client applications and the yaSSL library used for secure socket layer communications. When clients attempt to establish secure connections to MySQL servers, the yaSSL component processes the SSL handshake procedures which can be manipulated by remote attackers to cause system instability or resource exhaustion. This type of vulnerability typically exploits weaknesses in cryptographic protocol handling or memory management within the SSL implementation, potentially leading to denial of service conditions that prevent legitimate users from accessing database services. The attack vector specifically leverages the client-side ssl processing capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect database servers that are configured to accept client connections with SSL encryption enabled.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for database administrators and system operators who rely on MySQL servers for critical business operations. The availability compromise can result in complete service disruption, forcing database services to become inaccessible to authorized users and applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause servers to crash, restart unexpectedly, or consume excessive system resources, effectively creating a denial of service condition. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential business disruption, data accessibility issues, and increased operational overhead as they must either patch their systems or implement workarounds to maintain service availability. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6494 primarily focus on applying official Oracle security patches and updates to affected MySQL server installations. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to MySQL versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability, typically those beyond the affected ranges mentioned in the CVE description. Network segmentation and access controls can provide additional layers of protection by limiting exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks. Monitoring for unusual connection patterns or resource consumption spikes can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which deals with improper access to memory and ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious SSL handshake patterns and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity during potential exploitation events.