CVE-2015-4792 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.45 and earlier and 5.6.26 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server : Partition, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-4802.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4792 represents a critical availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server implementations across multiple version ranges including 5.5.45 and earlier, as well as 5.6.26 and earlier releases. This issue specifically targets the Server : Partition component of the MySQL architecture, indicating a fundamental weakness in how the database management system handles partitioned table operations. The vulnerability requires remote authenticated access, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to interact with the MySQL server, but once authenticated, they can potentially disrupt service availability. The classification as an unspecified vulnerability suggests that the exact technical mechanism enabling the availability disruption has not been fully detailed in the initial CVE description, though it is clearly distinct from the closely related CVE-2015-4802 vulnerability which indicates this represents a separate attack surface within the partitioning functionality.
The technical flaw manifests within the partitioning subsystem of MySQL Server where the handling of partitioned tables appears to contain a weakness that can be exploited to cause service disruption. Partitioning in MySQL is a method of dividing large tables into smaller, more manageable pieces while maintaining the logical integrity of the data structure. When an authenticated user can manipulate partitioned table operations in a way that leads to system instability or resource exhaustion, it creates an availability risk that can affect database operations and potentially impact business continuity. The vulnerability's relationship to the Server : Partition component indicates that the flaw likely resides in how MySQL processes partition-related commands, table maintenance operations, or metadata management within the partitioned table framework. This aligns with common patterns in database security where partitioning logic can become a vector for denial of service attacks due to improper input validation or resource management.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on MySQL databases, particularly those with high availability requirements or mission-critical applications. The remote authenticated nature of the attack means that compromised accounts or legitimate users with elevated privileges could potentially trigger availability disruptions that affect database performance, query execution, or complete system unavailability. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as partitioning issues can affect data integrity, query optimization, and overall database stability. Organizations using MySQL versions affected by this vulnerability face potential business disruption, especially in environments where partitioned tables are heavily utilized for performance optimization or data management. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version ranges suggests that a substantial portion of MySQL deployments could be at risk, requiring coordinated patch management across different release streams.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2015-4792 primarily involves applying the official Oracle patches and updates released to address the partitioning vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to MySQL versions that have been patched against this specific issue, typically those beyond the affected ranges mentioned in the CVE description. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual partitioning operations or resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which authenticated users can perform partition-related operations. Additionally, database administrators should review and restrict privileges for users who do not require partition management capabilities, following the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability's classification as affecting server partition functionality aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service, though specific ATT&CK mappings would depend on the exact exploitation method. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous partitioning behavior and alert on potential exploitation attempts, as the unspecified nature of the vulnerability makes traditional signature-based detection challenging.