CVE-2015-4864 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL Server 5.5.43 and earlier and 5.6.24 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-2015-4864 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server affecting versions 5.5.43 and earlier, as well as 5.6.24 and earlier. This issue resides within the server's security privilege management system, specifically impacting the integrity of the database environment. The vulnerability is classified as remote and authenticated, meaning that an attacker must possess valid credentials to exploit the flaw, but can execute the attack from a remote location. This designation places the vulnerability within the purview of CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation and access control manipulation. The unspecified nature of the exact vector makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could potentially encompass multiple attack surfaces within the privilege management framework.
The technical flaw manifests in how MySQL Server handles security privileges, allowing authenticated users to potentially manipulate or bypass access controls that should otherwise protect database integrity. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to resources necessary for their specific functions. When such a flaw exists within the privilege system, it can enable attackers to escalate their privileges or modify database content in ways that compromise data integrity. The vulnerability's classification as affecting server security privileges indicates that the issue likely involves how MySQL processes and validates user permissions, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or unauthorized access to sensitive database operations. This aligns with CWE-362, which addresses race conditions in privilege handling, and could also relate to CWE-276, which covers improper privilege management.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on MySQL databases for critical operations. An authenticated attacker could potentially modify database records, manipulate access controls, or escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the database system. The integrity aspect of the vulnerability suggests that data corruption or unauthorized modifications could occur, which would directly impact business continuity and regulatory compliance. Organizations using affected MySQL versions may face unauthorized data access or manipulation, potentially leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and compliance violations under various data protection regulations. The remote nature of the attack means that attackers could exploit this vulnerability from outside the organization's network perimeter, increasing the attack surface and making detection more challenging. This vulnerability could also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database access often provides access to sensitive organizational data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4864 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to versions that address this privilege management flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control reviews, ensuring that users have only the minimum necessary privileges for their roles. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or privilege escalation attempts. Security audits should focus on identifying and correcting any misconfigurations in the MySQL privilege system. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues within the database environment. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include updating authentication mechanisms and ensuring that all database users have strong, regularly rotated passwords. Organizations should also consider implementing database firewalls and network access controls to limit exposure of database servers to unnecessary network traffic. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date database systems and implementing robust security monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and privilege escalation attacks.