CVE-2015-4730 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.6.20 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Types.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4730 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL database systems affecting versions 5.6.20 and earlier. This issue resides within the database's handling of data types and presents a remote threat to system availability. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability means that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though it clearly involves the database's type processing capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows authenticated remote attackers to potentially disrupt database operations and compromise system availability.
The technical flaw manifests in how MySQL processes certain data type operations within its internal architecture. While the precise vector remains unspecified, the classification as a type-related vulnerability suggests issues in the database's type system implementation or type conversion mechanisms. This could involve buffer overflows, memory corruption, or improper validation of type parameters during database operations. The authenticated requirement indicates that attackers must possess valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability, though this does not significantly reduce the risk given that database credentials are often well-known within organizational environments. The vulnerability affects the availability aspect of the system, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to denial of service conditions where database services become unresponsive or crash entirely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database infrastructures. Organizations relying on affected MySQL versions face risks of unauthorized service interruption that could affect business continuity and data accessibility. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to widespread disruption. Given that MySQL is widely deployed across enterprise environments, the potential scope of impact is substantial. The vulnerability could be leveraged to exhaust system resources, corrupt database structures, or cause cascading failures in dependent applications that rely on database availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4730 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched MySQL releases. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to MySQL 5.6.21 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Database administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their MySQL installations to identify and remediate any other potential vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which deals with improper access to memory, and may intersect with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service. Regular monitoring and logging of database activities can help detect exploitation attempts, while maintaining updated security patches represents the most effective long-term solution to prevent unauthorized access and system compromise.