CVE-2016-0503 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.6.27 and earlier and 5.7.9 allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to DML, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0504.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0503 represents a significant availability threat within Oracle MySQL database systems, specifically affecting versions 5.6.27 and earlier, as well as 5.7.9 and prior releases. This issue manifests as an unspecified weakness that enables remote authenticated attackers to disrupt system availability through DML-related vectors, distinguishing it from the closely related CVE-2016-0504 vulnerability. The flaw resides within the database management system's handling of data manipulation language operations, which form the core of database interaction processes including insert, update, and delete commands.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within MySQL's DML processing components. When authenticated users submit specifically crafted DML statements, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, potentially leading to resource exhaustion or system instability. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Input, specifically relating to insufficient validation of data manipulation operations that can result in denial of service conditions. The attack vector requires remote access with valid authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access is granted to multiple users or applications.
From an operational impact perspective, the vulnerability creates substantial risk for database availability and system stability. An attacker with legitimate database credentials can exploit this weakness to cause service disruption, potentially leading to complete system unavailability or degradation of service quality. The consequences extend beyond simple downtime, as database systems often serve as critical infrastructure components for business applications, financial systems, and enterprise operations. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where database availability is paramount, such as e-commerce platforms, financial transaction systems, and enterprise resource planning applications. The impact can cascade through dependent systems, causing broader business disruption and potential financial losses.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves applying the official Oracle patches and updates that address this specific issue, as these updates contain the necessary code modifications to properly validate DML operations. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the attack surface by restricting unauthorized access to database systems. Database administrators should also establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual DML activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should align with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts and T1499 for endpoint disruption, ensuring comprehensive coverage of potential attack vectors. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the database environment, while maintaining proper incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts.