CVE-2016-0595 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.6.27 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to DML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0595 represents a significant availability threat within Oracle MySQL database systems, specifically affecting versions 5.6.27 and earlier. This issue resides within the database management system's handling of Data Manipulation Language operations, which form the core of database interaction and transaction processing. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though it clearly impacts the system's ability to maintain operational availability. Such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning in database environments where continuous uptime and reliable transaction processing are critical for business operations.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated remote users exploit weaknesses in how MySQL processes DML operations, potentially leading to system instability or complete service disruption. DML operations encompass standard database functions including insert, update, delete, and select commands that are fundamental to database functionality. When these operations become compromised, they can trigger cascading failures that affect database availability and overall system integrity. This vulnerability type falls under the category of availability attacks that target core database functions rather than data confidentiality or integrity, making it particularly dangerous for production environments where database uptime is paramount.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database infrastructures. Remote authenticated users who can exploit this weakness gain the ability to destabilize database servers through carefully crafted DML operations, potentially leading to denial of service conditions that can affect multiple applications dependent on the database. The authenticated nature of the attack means that adversaries must already have valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly reduce the risk given that credential compromise is a common attack vector in database environments. Organizations with multiple database users and applications would face cascading failures if this vulnerability were successfully exploited, affecting business continuity and potentially leading to significant financial losses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0595 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Oracle released subsequent patches addressing this vulnerability in MySQL 5.6.28 and later versions, making upgrading the database system the most effective remediation approach. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls can help limit the attack surface by restricting remote access to database servers and implementing least privilege principles for database user accounts. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in DML operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Database' tactic, specifically targeting availability through manipulation of database operations. This type of vulnerability also corresponds to CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory handling that can lead to availability impacts. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.