CVE-2015-0381 in Communications Policy Management
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.40 and earlier and 5.6.21 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server : Replication, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-0382.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0381 represents a critical availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server implementations that affects multiple version ranges including 5.5.40 and earlier, as well as 5.6.21 and earlier versions. This issue specifically targets the Server Replication component of MySQL, indicating that the flaw manifests within the database server's replication functionality rather than in client applications or other subsystems. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though its impact on system availability indicates a severe operational risk. According to industry standards, this vulnerability would likely map to CWE-119 Memory Errors or CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow depending on the specific implementation flaw, given that replication processes often involve complex data handling and memory management operations. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1499 Contention, specifically T1499.004 Application Exhaustion, as the vulnerability impacts system availability through replication mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the replication subsystem within MySQL Server where remote attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to disrupt service availability. Replication in MySQL involves complex coordination between master and slave servers, requiring extensive data synchronization and transaction handling mechanisms. The flaw likely manifests when processing replication events or data streams from remote sources, potentially through malformed replication packets or unexpected data sequences that cause the server to crash or become unresponsive. Given that this vulnerability specifically relates to replication functionality, attackers could potentially leverage it to create denial-of-service conditions that affect database availability and business continuity operations. The fact that it differs from CVE-2015-0382 indicates that while both vulnerabilities target replication, they exploit different aspects of the replication architecture, suggesting a broader class of replication-related flaws that require comprehensive patching strategies.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0381 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database infrastructures that rely on replication for high availability, disaster recovery, or load distribution. Organizations utilizing MySQL replication for mission-critical applications face significant risk of data unavailability, service interruptions, and potential financial losses during exploitation periods. The vulnerability's remote attack surface means that unauthorized parties can potentially exploit it without physical access to the systems, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. When replication systems are compromised, the effects cascade through database clusters, potentially causing data inconsistencies, failed failover operations, and complete service outages. The impact is particularly severe for organizations using MySQL replication for master-slave configurations where a single point of failure in the replication process can bring down entire database tiers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0381 should prioritize immediate patch application from Oracle, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions within the 5.5 and 5.6 release lines. Organizations must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected MySQL versions and implement proper access controls to limit remote exposure. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict replication traffic to trusted sources only, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous replication behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of redundant replication configurations and regular backup strategies provides additional defense layers against availability impacts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor replication protocol communications and establish incident response procedures that account for replication-related service disruptions. Given the nature of the vulnerability, regular security assessments of MySQL configurations and replication settings are essential to prevent exploitation and maintain system availability.