CVE-2015-2566 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.6.22 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to DML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2566 represents a significant availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.6.22 and earlier. This unspecified weakness specifically targets the Database Management System's Data Manipulation Language processing capabilities, creating potential for remote authenticated attackers to disrupt system operations. The vulnerability exists within the core database engine where DML operations are handled, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect fundamental database functions that applications and services depend upon for data integrity and availability. Security researchers have classified this issue as affecting the availability aspect of the CIA triad, potentially allowing attackers to cause system downtime or service disruption through carefully crafted DML statements.
The technical flaw manifests in how MySQL Server processes certain Data Manipulation Language operations, particularly when handling authenticated user connections. Attackers with valid credentials can exploit this weakness by submitting specific DML commands that trigger internal server mechanisms designed to handle data modifications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the MySQL query execution engine, particularly when processing complex or malformed DML statements. This weakness allows attackers to cause resource exhaustion, thread starvation, or other internal server states that result in service unavailability. The issue demonstrates a classic example of how database engine vulnerabilities can be leveraged to create denial of service conditions, particularly when the flaw exists in core processing pathways that handle routine database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2566 extends beyond simple service disruption, potentially affecting critical business applications that depend on MySQL database availability. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face risks of extended downtime, data access interruptions, and potential cascading failures in application stacks that rely on database connectivity. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the database server, making it particularly dangerous for cloud-hosted or internet-facing database systems. System administrators may observe increased error rates, connection timeouts, and performance degradation as attackers exploit this weakness. The attack vector through authenticated users means that the vulnerability could be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts, adding another layer of risk that organizations must consider in their security posture assessments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2566 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to versions that address the DML processing vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of database server performance and error logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact by restricting unauthorized access to database systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Database administrators should consider implementing connection throttling mechanisms and query execution limits to reduce the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database configurations and ensure that all systems are properly patched and secured against known vulnerabilities.