CVE-2016-0640 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.5.47 and earlier, 5.6.28 and earlier, and 5.7.10 and earlier allows local users to affect integrity and availability via vectors related to DML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0640 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle MySQL database systems affecting multiple version branches including 5.5.47 and earlier, 5.6.28 and earlier, and 5.7.10 and earlier. This issue resides within the Data Manipulation Language component of the database engine, which forms the core foundation for database operations including insert, update, and delete commands. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, but it is classified as a local privilege escalation issue that could potentially allow attackers with limited system access to compromise database integrity and availability. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited by attackers who already have some level of access to the system, potentially escalating their privileges to gain full control over database operations.
The technical flaw manifests through DML-related vectors that enable local users to manipulate database operations in ways that compromise data integrity and system availability. This type of vulnerability typically involves weaknesses in how the database engine processes or validates data manipulation commands, potentially allowing for buffer overflows, memory corruption, or unauthorized data modification. The impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as it affects the fundamental reliability and trustworthiness of database operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would likely map to CWE-119 which encompasses weaknesses related to improper restriction of operations within a limited scope, and potentially CWE-20 which deals with improper input validation in database systems. The vulnerability's classification as local privilege escalation means that an attacker with basic system access could exploit this weakness to gain elevated privileges within the database environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0640 is severe and multifaceted, affecting both data integrity and system availability in database environments. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to corrupt database records, modify critical system data, or even cause database service interruptions that impact business operations. The local nature of the attack vector means that an attacker must first establish a foothold on the system, but once achieved, they can leverage this weakness to compromise the entire database infrastructure. Organizations using affected MySQL versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruptions, and potential compliance violations, particularly in environments where database integrity is paramount for business operations. The vulnerability affects database systems that rely heavily on DML operations, making it particularly dangerous for transactional systems, financial applications, and any environment where data consistency and availability are critical requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0640 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to the latest available versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected MySQL versions and implement mandatory upgrade procedures. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls including restricted user permissions, database activity monitoring, and regular integrity checks to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit local system access and reduce the attack surface for potential exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would be classified under privilege escalation techniques, specifically T1068 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous database behavior patterns, which may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the mitigations are effective and to identify any additional vulnerabilities that may exist within the database infrastructure.