CVE-2015-0499 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.42 and earlier, and 5.6.23 and earlier, allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server : Federated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0499 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.42 and earlier, as well as 5.6.23 and earlier, specifically affecting the Server : Federated component. This issue enables remote authenticated attackers to compromise system availability, demonstrating the critical nature of database server security in enterprise environments where data integrity and system uptime are paramount. The unspecified nature of the exact vector makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it may encompass multiple attack pathways that could be exploited by malicious actors with legitimate database access credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies within the Federated storage engine functionality of MySQL, which allows users to access tables located on remote MySQL servers as if they were local tables. This feature creates a complex interaction between local and remote database components that can be exploited when authenticated users leverage their privileges to manipulate federated table operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the server-side processing of federated table requests, potentially allowing attackers to cause service disruption through malformed or maliciously constructed federated queries that could lead to resource exhaustion, process termination, or system instability.
Operational impact of CVE-2015-0499 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions to potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face risks of unauthorized service disruption that could impact business operations, data availability, and user access to critical applications. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the database server, making it particularly dangerous in cloud environments or distributed database architectures. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory handling, and may also relate to CWE-400, concerning resource exhaustion issues, as the exploitation could target system resources through federated table operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to versions that have addressed the specific federated table processing flaws. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the number of authenticated users with privileges that could exploit this vulnerability. Database administrators should monitor federated table usage patterns and implement strict access controls for federated table creation and modification operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, where attackers leverage legitimate access to cause system instability. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they result in service disruption, while regular security audits of federated table configurations can prevent unauthorized modifications that might enable exploitation.