CVE-2015-4767 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.6.24 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server : Security : Firewall, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-4769.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4767 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.6.24 and earlier, specifically impacting the server's security firewall mechanisms. This issue affects authenticated remote attackers who can potentially disrupt system availability through unspecified attack vectors that are distinct from the closely related CVE-2015-4769 vulnerability. The flaw resides within the MySQL Server's security infrastructure, particularly concerning firewall-related operations that control network access and connection management. Such vulnerabilities in database server security components pose serious risks to enterprise environments where database availability and integrity are paramount. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for security professionals as it requires thorough investigation and testing to fully understand the scope of potential exploitation methods.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies within the MySQL Server's firewall subsystem, which is responsible for managing network access controls and connection filtering mechanisms. When authenticated users leverage this weakness, they can potentially cause service disruption or complete system unavailability through manipulation of firewall rules or connection handling processes. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the category of availability impact rather than confidentiality or integrity compromise, though the potential for cascading effects exists. The firewall component in MySQL servers is designed to protect against unauthorized access while allowing legitimate connections, making any weakness in this area particularly dangerous for database security. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284 Access Control and CWE-1004 Security Weaknesses in the OWASP Top 10, representing a critical control failure that could enable denial of service attacks against database infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on MySQL Server 5.6.24 or earlier versions for their database operations. The ability of authenticated users to impact availability means that both malicious insiders and external attackers with valid credentials could potentially disrupt database services, leading to significant business impact including data unavailability, service interruptions, and potential financial losses. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it involves authenticated access, meaning that any compromised user account or legitimate user with elevated privileges could exploit this weakness. Organizations using affected MySQL versions must consider the broader implications for their security posture, as this vulnerability could be leveraged as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks or used to create persistent denial of service conditions that are difficult to detect and remediate.
The remediation approach for CVE-2015-4767 primarily involves upgrading to a patched version of Oracle MySQL Server, as Oracle would have addressed this specific firewall-related weakness in subsequent releases. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, though they must also consider the potential impact of updates on existing applications and services. Security teams should conduct thorough testing of patches in staging environments before deployment to ensure compatibility and prevent unintended service disruptions. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring controls can provide additional layers of protection while awaiting patch deployment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and following established security practices such as the principle of least privilege and regular security assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems and monitoring for unusual connection patterns or firewall rule modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security maintenance and the potential consequences of running outdated software components in enterprise environments.