CVE-2016-0661 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.6.28 and earlier and 5.7.10 and earlier allows local users to affect availability via vectors related to Options.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0661 represents a significant security weakness in Oracle MySQL database systems affecting versions 5.6.28 and earlier, as well as 5.7.10 and earlier. This unspecified vulnerability specifically targets the options handling mechanisms within the MySQL server implementation, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by local users to compromise system availability. The flaw resides in the database server's processing of various option parameters that are typically used during server initialization and operation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal database configuration processes. The vulnerability classification indicates a local privilege escalation risk where attackers with access to the system can manipulate database options to cause service disruption or complete system unavailability.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and handling of option parameters within the MySQL server codebase. The flaw likely manifests when the database server processes command-line options, configuration file parameters, or runtime option changes that affect server behavior and resource allocation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious option sequences that cause the MySQL service to enter an unstable state, potentially leading to crashes, resource exhaustion, or denial of service conditions. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability suggests that multiple option processing pathways may be affected, making it particularly challenging to fully enumerate all potential attack vectors. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow conditions, or CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, though the exact technical implementation requires deeper analysis of the MySQL source code.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0661 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database infrastructure availability. Local users who can influence MySQL option processing can cause cascading failures that affect not only the database service itself but also dependent applications and systems that rely on database connectivity. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat where system administrators may experience intermittent service outages or complete database unavailability, leading to significant business disruption and potential data loss scenarios. The attack surface is particularly concerning because MySQL options are frequently modified during routine maintenance, updates, or configuration changes, providing attackers with multiple opportunities to exploit the vulnerability. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face increased risk of service interruptions that can impact critical business operations, especially in environments where database availability is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0661 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to the latest available releases that contain fixes for the option processing vulnerabilities. System administrators must implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit local user access to MySQL configuration and option modification capabilities. Regular monitoring of MySQL process behavior and system logs should be established to detect unusual option processing patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and isolation of database servers can reduce the attack surface for local privilege escalation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any custom MySQL configurations or option modifications that might exacerbate the vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the fix does not introduce compatibility issues with existing database applications. Security teams should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all MySQL installations, particularly in environments where database availability is critical for business operations.