CVE-2015-4800 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.6.26 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server : Optimizer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4800 represents a critical weakness in Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.6.26 and earlier, specifically within the Server Optimizer component. This issue affects authenticated remote attackers who can potentially disrupt system availability through unspecified attack vectors that leverage the optimizer module. The vulnerability classification indicates a significant risk to database server stability and operational continuity, as it operates within the core optimization engine that processes complex query execution plans and resource allocation decisions. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, making comprehensive mitigation challenging without detailed analysis of the underlying mechanisms.
The technical flaw resides within the MySQL Server's optimizer subsystem, which is responsible for determining the most efficient execution strategy for database queries. When an authenticated user submits maliciously crafted queries or manipulates query parameters, the optimizer may encounter conditions that cause abnormal behavior leading to system instability or complete service disruption. This type of vulnerability typically manifests through resource exhaustion, memory corruption, or execution flow disruption within the query processing pipeline. The optimizer's role in query execution makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit weaknesses that could cascade into broader system failures. The vulnerability's impact on availability stems from the optimizer's critical position in the database execution stack, where failures directly translate to service interruptions that can affect thousands of concurrent database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4800 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential data integrity concerns and business continuity risks. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face the possibility of unauthorized denial of service attacks that could render their database systems inaccessible to legitimate users. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where database availability is critical for business operations, including e-commerce platforms, financial services, and enterprise applications that depend on continuous database access. The authenticated nature of the attack means that even within controlled environments, compromised accounts could be leveraged to cause significant operational damage. System administrators must consider the potential for cascading failures when database services become unavailable, as this could impact multiple dependent applications and services that rely on database connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4800 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to the latest available versions that contain fixes for the optimizer vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit authentication opportunities for potentially malicious users, while also monitoring for unusual query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of database activity monitoring tools can help detect anomalous behavior in query execution that might precede system instability. Additionally, maintaining comprehensive backup and disaster recovery procedures ensures that organizations can quickly restore services if exploitation occurs. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments targeting database server components, particularly focusing on optimization engines and query processing modules. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to service stoppage and resource exhaustion, while the CWE classification would likely fall under weakness categories related to improper handling of query optimization components and insufficient error handling in database processing modules.