CVE-2015-4830 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 integrity via unknown vectors related to Server : Security : Privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4830 represents a security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.45 and earlier, as well as 5.6.26 and earlier, where remote authenticated users can potentially compromise data integrity through unspecified attack vectors related to server security privileges. This issue falls under the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities that can undermine the fundamental security model of database systems. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it may encompass multiple exploitation pathways that could be leveraged by malicious actors with legitimate authentication credentials.
This vulnerability resides within the MySQL Server's privilege management system, specifically affecting how the server handles authentication and authorization processes. The flaw allows an attacker with valid credentials to manipulate or bypass certain privilege controls that should normally prevent unauthorized access to or modification of database resources. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a critical weakness in the principle of least privilege that database systems are designed to enforce, potentially enabling authenticated users to perform actions they should not be authorized to execute. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, particularly those involving insufficient privileges or inadequate access restriction mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4830 extends beyond simple data integrity concerns to potentially compromise the entire database security architecture. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate database records, alter access permissions, or gain elevated privileges that would normally be restricted to administrative users. This could result in data corruption, unauthorized data modification, or complete compromise of database integrity. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation does not require physical access to the database server, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where database servers are accessible over the internet or internal networks. The vulnerability affects the core security model of MySQL, potentially allowing privilege escalation attacks that could lead to complete system compromise.
Organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommended action involves upgrading to patched versions of MySQL Server where the privilege handling mechanisms have been corrected. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits to identify any unauthorized changes or suspicious activities that may have occurred during the vulnerability's existence. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of privilege escalation attacks. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect anomalous privilege usage patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database software and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect and respond to potential privilege abuse scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as database activity monitoring, privilege auditing, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their database infrastructure.