CVE-2016-0606 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.5.46 and earlier, 5.6.27 and earlier, and 5.7.9 allows remote authenticated users to affect integrity via unknown vectors related to encryption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0606 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL database systems affecting multiple version ranges including 5.5.46 and earlier, 5.6.27 and earlier, and 5.7.9 and earlier. This issue falls under the category of integrity-related vulnerabilities that can be exploited by remote authenticated users, meaning that attackers who already possess valid credentials can manipulate the encryption mechanisms within the database system. The unspecified nature of the exact vector makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it suggests potential weaknesses in the underlying encryption implementation that could be leveraged to compromise data integrity. Such vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-284 Access Control, which specifically addresses inadequate access control mechanisms that can lead to unauthorized modification of system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of encryption processes within the MySQL database engine, potentially allowing attackers to alter encrypted data without detection or to bypass encryption controls entirely. The impact extends beyond simple data corruption as it fundamentally undermines the cryptographic assurances that database systems provide to users. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where sensitive data is stored and where encryption is relied upon to maintain data integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 Credential Access, as it requires authenticated access but then enables privilege escalation through data manipulation. Attackers could potentially use this weakness to modify critical database entries, alter encryption keys, or corrupt the integrity of encrypted data streams, making it difficult for system administrators to detect unauthorized modifications.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0606 is substantial for organizations relying on MySQL databases for critical data storage and processing. Organizations may experience data integrity failures that could lead to compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments such as healthcare, financial services, or government agencies where data tampering can result in significant legal and financial consequences. The vulnerability's presence in multiple MySQL versions means that a wide range of systems could be affected, requiring extensive patch management efforts across different database deployments. System administrators must consider the potential for undetected data modification, which can compromise audit trails and forensic investigations. The threat landscape for this vulnerability includes both insider threats from authenticated users with malicious intent and external attackers who may have obtained valid credentials through various means. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unusual encryption-related activities and establish robust backup and recovery procedures to address potential data integrity issues that may arise from exploitation of this vulnerability.