CVE-2015-4752 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.43 and earlier and 5.6.24 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to Server : I_S.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4752 represents a significant availability risk within Oracle MySQL Server implementations across multiple version ranges including 5.5.43 and earlier, as well as 5.6.24 and earlier. This unspecified weakness resides within the Server component of MySQL and specifically relates to the Information Schema (I_S) functionality. The vulnerability affects authenticated remote attackers who can leverage this flaw to disrupt service availability, potentially leading to system downtime and operational disruption for database environments relying on affected MySQL versions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain operations within the Information Schema subsystem of MySQL. The Information Schema provides metadata about database objects and server status, and when exploited, the flaw allows authenticated users to manipulate or corrupt this information in ways that can cascade into system instability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 which deals with insufficient protection of references to memory, indicating that the flaw likely involves improper memory management or access controls within the I_S implementation. This type of vulnerability falls into the broader category of availability attacks that target system stability rather than data confidentiality or integrity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to database environments as it allows remote authenticated users to cause service disruption without requiring administrative privileges or special access rights. The attack vector requires only authentication to the MySQL server, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have database access. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as the availability compromise can affect business continuity, data access, and overall system reliability. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential downtime and service degradation that can affect critical business applications depending on database connectivity.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation through Oracle's official patches and updates addressing this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy includes upgrading to MySQL versions that contain the necessary fixes, typically those beyond the affected release ranges mentioned in the CVE description. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting unauthorized access to database systems. Monitoring for suspicious activities related to Information Schema queries and implementing database activity monitoring solutions can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider applying the principle of least privilege to database user accounts and regularly reviewing access permissions to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers network denial of service attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining system availability through proper patch management and access controls.