CVE-2016-0662 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.7.11 and earlier allows local users to affect availability via vectors related to Partition.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0662 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL database systems affecting versions 5.7.11 and earlier. This issue resides within the partitioning functionality of the database management system, creating potential for local users to disrupt system availability through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically targets the partitioning mechanism that MySQL employs to organize and manage large datasets across multiple storage units, which is a fundamental component of database performance optimization and data management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the partitioning subsystem of MySQL. When local users interact with partitioned tables, particularly through specific operations or queries involving partition management, the system fails to properly handle certain conditions that lead to unexpected behavior. This flaw manifests as a potential denial of service condition where the database service becomes unavailable or crashes, effectively preventing legitimate users from accessing the database resources. The partitioning feature in MySQL is designed to improve query performance and manage large datasets by breaking them into smaller, more manageable pieces, but this very functionality becomes a point of weakness when processing malformed or specially crafted inputs.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses serious risks to database availability and system reliability. Local users who can access the system with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to cause database service interruptions, potentially affecting business operations and data accessibility. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, meaning that unauthorized individuals with basic user accounts or compromised local credentials could trigger the vulnerability. This creates a scenario where internal threats or compromised accounts could lead to significant service disruption, potentially affecting critical business applications that depend on MySQL database availability.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory handling and input validation, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through database disruption. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Oracle security patches, disabling unnecessary partitioning features when not required, and implementing proper access controls to limit local system access. Additionally, monitoring for unusual database behavior or service interruptions can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The recommended approach involves upgrading to MySQL versions that have addressed this vulnerability, typically those beyond 5.7.11, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user privileges and reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their database configurations to ensure that partitioning features are properly secured and that appropriate monitoring mechanisms are in place to detect potential exploitation attempts.