CVE-2016-0502 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.5.31 and earlier and 5.6.11 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Optimizer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0502 resides within Oracle MySQL database software versions 5.5.31 and earlier, as well as 5.6.11 and earlier, representing a significant threat to database availability and system stability. This issue falls under the category of unspecified vulnerability within the optimizer component of the MySQL database engine, which is responsible for determining the most efficient execution plan for database queries. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated remote users who can leverage this weakness to disrupt database availability, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database uptime is critical for business operations.
The technical flaw manifests within the MySQL optimizer module, which is tasked with analyzing and selecting the optimal execution strategy for SQL queries. When exploited, this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to manipulate the query execution process in ways that can lead to system instability or complete service disruption. The unspecified nature of the exact vector means that the precise mechanism by which the optimizer is compromised remains undisclosed, but it is understood to involve manipulation of query planning or execution logic that can cause the database server to become unresponsive or crash entirely. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which deals with weak buffer access, and CWE-20, which covers input validation issues, as the optimizer's handling of malformed or specially crafted query structures can lead to memory corruption or resource exhaustion.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0502 extends far beyond simple service disruption, as database availability is fundamental to virtually all enterprise applications and services. When an authenticated user can cause a MySQL server to become unavailable, the consequences can be severe for organizations relying on database-driven applications, potentially leading to data access denial, transaction failures, and complete system downtime. The remote nature of the attack means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, and the authenticated requirement suggests that even legitimate users with appropriate privileges could potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly insidious. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability could be classified under ATT&CK technique T1499, which involves network denial of service attacks, and T1078, which covers valid accounts for maintaining access, as the attack requires only authentication credentials.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official Oracle patches and updates, as the vulnerability represents a clear threat to database availability and system integrity. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unusual query patterns or performance degradation that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of authenticated users who might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The broader database security posture should be reviewed to ensure that proper privilege management and least-privilege principles are enforced, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database configurations and implementations, as this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database software and proper security hygiene practices across all enterprise systems.