CVE-2015-0501 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 : Compiling.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0501 represents a critical availability issue within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.42 and earlier, as well as 5.6.23 and earlier. This flaw exists within the server component responsible for compiling SQL statements and queries, creating a potential attack surface that remote authenticated users can exploit to disrupt service availability. The unspecified nature of the exact vector means that the precise mechanism through which the availability impact occurs remains partially obscured, though the classification as a server compiling vulnerability suggests the issue originates during query processing or compilation phases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how MySQL handles certain compiled query structures or compilation processes within its server architecture. When authenticated users submit specific SQL queries or operations that trigger the compilation module, the system may experience unexpected behavior that leads to resource exhaustion, process termination, or complete service disruption. This represents a denial of service condition that can be triggered remotely, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where unauthorized access might be gained. The vulnerability's classification under server compiling components aligns with CWE-400, which covers unrestricted resource consumption, and potentially CWE-119, concerning insufficient protection of data structures and memory.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to database availability and system reliability. Organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions face potential downtime, service interruptions, and degraded performance when attackers exploit this weakness. The remote nature of the attack means that even users with minimal privileges can potentially cause system-wide availability issues, making it a particularly concerning threat for database administrators. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it can affect business continuity, data access, and overall system stability. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform sustained denial of service attacks, potentially causing cascading failures in applications that depend on MySQL services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0501 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of Oracle MySQL Server, specifically versions beyond the affected releases mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit authentication opportunities for unauthorized users, reducing the attack surface. Database administrators should monitor query execution patterns and implement resource limits to prevent exploitation attempts from consuming excessive system resources. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within the MySQL environment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, where adversaries leverage software weaknesses to disrupt services and maintain persistent access to target systems. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to minimize impact during potential attacks.