CVE-2015-4826 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 confidentiality via unknown vectors related to Server : Types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4826 represents a critical security weakness within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.45 and earlier, as well as 5.6.26 and earlier. This issue falls under the broader category of confidentiality impacts, where authenticated remote attackers can potentially access sensitive data through unspecified vectors related to server types. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, which is common with certain types of database security flaws. The affected versions demonstrate a long-standing issue that persisted across multiple release lines, suggesting a fundamental design or implementation flaw within the MySQL server architecture that specifically pertains to how server types are handled during authentication processes. This vulnerability exists in the server component of MySQL, indicating that the issue is not merely a client-side concern but affects the core database server functionality where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount.
The technical nature of this vulnerability suggests that it operates within the server type handling mechanisms of MySQL, which are responsible for managing different data types and their associated processing within the database engine. When users authenticate to the MySQL server, the server processes various type-related operations that could potentially expose sensitive information if not properly secured. The fact that this vulnerability affects authenticated users indicates that attackers must first gain valid credentials before exploiting the flaw, but once authenticated, they can leverage this weakness to compromise data confidentiality. This particular weakness could be related to improper type handling during query processing, where the server might inadvertently expose internal data structures or metadata through type-related operations that occur during normal database transactions. The unspecified nature of the vectors suggests that multiple pathways could potentially be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may not be easily predictable or detectable through standard security monitoring.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4826 extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a significant threat to database security and compliance requirements. Organizations using affected MySQL versions face potential exposure of sensitive customer data, financial records, and proprietary information through unauthorized access channels that bypass normal authentication mechanisms. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to widespread data breaches without requiring physical access to database servers. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) framework, particularly those related to information exposure and improper handling of data types. The impact on confidentiality is particularly severe given that MySQL servers often contain highly sensitive information, and the fact that this vulnerability affects multiple versions suggests that organizations may have been exposed for extended periods without awareness of the risk. Organizations implementing the affected MySQL versions may face regulatory compliance violations and significant financial penalties if data breaches occur as a result of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4826 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL server installations to the latest available versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit authentication access to MySQL servers, particularly for users who do not require administrative privileges. The implementation of network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual authentication patterns or type-related operations may provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected MySQL versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additionally, organizations should review their authentication mechanisms and implement multi-factor authentication where possible to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should be enhanced to ensure timely identification and remediation of similar issues across all database systems within the organization's infrastructure.