CVE-2014-6551 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.38 and earlier and 5.6.19 and earlier allows local users to affect confidentiality via vectors related to CLIENT:MYSQLADMIN.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6551 represents a security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.38 and earlier, as well as 5.6.19 and earlier, that permits local attackers to compromise data confidentiality. This issue specifically relates to the client-side component known as MYSQLADMIN, which is commonly used for managing and monitoring MySQL server processes. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that the exact technical mechanism enabling the confidentiality breach has not been fully detailed in the public description, though it clearly involves a weakness in how the MYSQLADMIN client handles certain operations or data processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local user access, meaning an attacker must already have a foothold on the system where MySQL is installed. This local privilege requirement reduces the attack surface compared to remote exploits but still presents a significant risk, particularly in environments where local access is not properly controlled or where users with legitimate access might be compromised. The flaw specifically manifests when the MYSQLADMIN client processes certain commands or data related to MySQL server administration, potentially allowing unauthorized data disclosure through improper handling of authentication credentials, connection parameters, or server status information.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from MySQL server configurations, user credentials, or database metadata that might otherwise remain protected. The confidentiality breach could lead to exposure of database access controls, user account details, or even underlying database content if the vulnerability allows for data retrieval beyond simple administrative information. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential risks including unauthorized access to database resources, privilege escalation opportunities, and exposure of sensitive business or personal data stored in MySQL databases. The local nature of the attack means that traditional network-based security controls may not prevent exploitation, requiring more comprehensive system-level security measures.
Security mitigations for CVE-2014-6551 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL server installations to versions that contain the relevant security fixes. Organizations should also implement strict local access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to systems running MySQL servers. The principle of least privilege should be enforced for MySQL service accounts and administrative users, with regular auditing of access logs and system monitoring for anomalous behavior. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities and deploy host-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities related to MYSQLADMIN execution. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically concerning inadequate access control mechanisms in client applications, and may be categorized under ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through local system interfaces. Organizations should also review their overall MySQL security posture, including configuration hardening, regular security assessments, and implementation of proper logging and monitoring controls to detect potential exploitation attempts.