CVE-2015-0441 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.41 and earlier, and 5.6.22 and earlier, allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server : Security : Encryption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0441 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.41 and earlier, as well as 5.6.22 and earlier. This issue falls under the broader category of server-side security vulnerabilities that can potentially compromise system availability and integrity. The vulnerability specifically relates to the encryption subsystem within the MySQL server, indicating that attackers with authenticated access could exploit this weakness to disrupt service availability. The unspecified nature of the exact vector makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it suggests potential for various attack scenarios that may not be immediately apparent to security teams.
The technical flaw manifests within the encryption mechanisms of MySQL Server, where authenticated users can manipulate encryption-related processes to cause service disruption. This type of vulnerability typically operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, or potentially CWE-310, which deals with cryptographic issues. The attack vector likely involves manipulation of encryption parameters, certificate handling, or key management processes that could lead to denial of service conditions. Given that the vulnerability affects the encryption subsystem, it could potentially be leveraged to cause cascading failures in database operations that depend on secure communication channels.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on MySQL databases, particularly those with high availability requirements. An authenticated attacker could potentially cause database server crashes, forced restarts, or other availability disruptions that would impact business operations. The remote nature of the attack means that even users with limited privileges could cause significant damage to database infrastructure. This vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in environments where database availability is critical for business operations, as it could be exploited to cause service interruptions that result in financial losses and reputational damage.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of MySQL Server, which would address the encryption-related vulnerabilities. The recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches from Oracle, which would contain fixes for the encryption subsystem. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit authentication privileges to only those users who require them for operational purposes. Monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual encryption-related activities or patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting encryption subsystems would provide an additional layer of protection. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to ensure that no other encryption-related vulnerabilities exist within their MySQL deployments, as this type of weakness often indicates broader security issues within database infrastructure.