CVE-2015-4890 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 : Replication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4890 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.6.26 and earlier, specifically impacting the replication functionality of the database server. This issue affects remote authenticated users who can potentially disrupt the availability of MySQL services through unspecified attack vectors within the replication subsystem. The vulnerability classification indicates a potential denial of service condition that could compromise the operational integrity of database environments relying on MySQL replication mechanisms. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for security professionals as it may encompass multiple exploitation pathways that are not fully documented in the initial disclosure.
The technical flaw resides within the Server : Replication component of MySQL, suggesting that the issue stems from how the database server handles replication processes and related operations. Replication in MySQL involves the synchronization of data between master and slave servers, where changes made on the master are propagated to one or more slave servers. The vulnerability likely involves improper handling of replication events, connection management, or transaction processing that could lead to service disruption. Given that this affects authenticated users, attackers must first establish valid credentials to exploit the vulnerability, but once accessed, they can potentially cause system instability or complete service unavailability. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory management and data handling that can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4890 extends beyond simple service disruption as it can compromise the reliability and availability of critical database infrastructure. Organizations using MySQL replication for high availability setups, disaster recovery, or load distribution may face significant operational challenges when this vulnerability is exploited. The potential for remote exploitation means that attackers can target these systems from external networks without requiring physical access, making the attack surface broader than local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. In production environments, this could result in extended downtime, data synchronization failures, and potential data loss if replication processes become corrupted or terminate unexpectedly. The vulnerability affects the fundamental availability of database services, which can cascade into application failures and business disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4890 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to the latest available versions that contain fixes for this replication vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit authentication opportunities for unauthorized users while maintaining proper monitoring of replication processes for anomalous behavior. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected MySQL installations within their environment and prioritize remediation based on risk exposure. Additional defensive measures include implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual replication activity patterns and establishing robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize impact during potential exploitation events. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in production environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both access control and system availability concerns.