CVE-2015-4833 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.6.25 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server : Partition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4833 represents a critical availability issue within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.6.25 and earlier, specifically impacting the Server Partition component. This flaw exists within the database management system's partitioning functionality, which is a core feature used for organizing and managing large datasets across multiple storage units. The vulnerability affects authenticated remote users who can leverage this weakness to disrupt service availability, potentially leading to denial of service conditions that compromise system reliability and data access. The unspecified nature of the exact vector makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it may encompass multiple attack pathways within the partitioning subsystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within MySQL's partitioning logic. When processing partitioned table operations, the server fails to properly validate or sanitize certain parameters that control how partition data is accessed or modified. This weakness allows attackers with valid authentication credentials to craft specific requests that trigger unexpected behavior in the partitioning engine, potentially causing the MySQL server process to crash or become unresponsive. The root cause aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-400, which covers resource exhaustion vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because partitioning is a commonly used feature in production environments, making this vulnerability exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4833 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database operations and business continuity. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause cascading failures that affect not only the targeted MySQL instance but also dependent applications and services that rely on database availability. The remote authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability accessible from any location where valid credentials are available. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566, which addresses credential access through various means including authentication bypass or privilege escalation. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk to their data integrity and service availability, particularly in mission-critical environments where database uptime is essential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4833 should prioritize immediate patch application from Oracle, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation by restricting remote access to MySQL servers and implementing least privilege principles for database user accounts. Monitoring and logging configurations should be enhanced to detect anomalous partitioning operations that might indicate exploitation attempts, with particular attention to unusual patterns in partition maintenance commands or data access requests. Additionally, implementing database firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by identifying and blocking suspicious network traffic patterns associated with this vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in database configurations and access controls.