CVE-2015-4766 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.6.25 and earlier allows local users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server : Security : Firewall.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4766 represents a security weakness within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.6.25 and earlier, specifically affecting the server's security firewall mechanisms. This issue falls under the broader category of availability threats that can potentially disrupt database operations and compromise system integrity. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for security professionals who must prepare for various potential exploitation scenarios. The flaw exists within the MySQL Server's security infrastructure, specifically targeting firewall-related components that govern network access controls and security policies.
This vulnerability operates at the kernel level within MySQL Server's security framework, potentially allowing local attackers to manipulate the server's firewall configuration or access controls. The security implications extend beyond simple access control breaches, as the firewall mechanisms are critical for maintaining database server availability and protecting against unauthorized network access. Attackers could exploit this weakness to cause service disruption, deny legitimate users access to database resources, or potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The local nature of the vulnerability means that attackers must already have access to the system, but this access could be gained through various initial compromise vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4766 can be severe for organizations relying on MySQL Server for critical database operations. When the firewall mechanisms are compromised, the availability of database services can be significantly affected, potentially leading to complete service outages or unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories. Organizations may experience disruption in their database operations, with potential cascading effects on applications that depend on MySQL for data storage and retrieval. The vulnerability could also facilitate more sophisticated attacks that leverage the compromised firewall to establish persistent access or conduct data exfiltration activities.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations must upgrade to MySQL Server versions that address this specific firewall-related weakness, as Oracle would have released security patches to resolve the identified issue. System administrators should implement additional monitoring of firewall configurations and network access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive security assessments of MySQL server configurations, particularly focusing on firewall rules and access control lists. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and limiting local user access to database servers can reduce the attack surface and minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and may also relate to CWE-119, concerning weakness in memory management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be exploited through techniques such as privilege escalation and service stop/start operations. The local nature of the threat means it fits within the TTPs of adversaries who have already gained a foothold on the target system and are seeking to expand their control or cause service disruption. Organizations should implement layered security approaches that include regular vulnerability assessments, access control reviews, and continuous monitoring of database server configurations to prevent exploitation of similar firewall-related weaknesses.