CVE-2016-0663 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.7.10 and earlier allows local users to affect availability via vectors related to Performance Schema.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0663 resides within Oracle MySQL database software version 5.7.10 and earlier, representing a significant security concern that affects local system availability. This issue manifests through unspecified vectors related to the Performance Schema component, which is designed to monitor and collect performance metrics from database operations. The Performance Schema serves as a critical diagnostic tool for database administrators to analyze system behavior and optimize performance, making its vulnerability particularly concerning from an operational standpoint.
The technical flaw within the Performance Schema component allows local attackers to manipulate database availability through specific attack vectors that remain unspecified in the initial CVE description. This type of vulnerability typically stems from inadequate input validation or improper resource management within the Performance Schema subsystem. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways could potentially exploit this weakness, including but not limited to memory corruption, resource exhaustion, or improper handling of performance data structures. Such vulnerabilities often originate from CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflows, or CWE-122, which deals with heap-based buffer overflows, though the exact implementation details remain unclear.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, potentially affecting database reliability and system stability in production environments. Local users with access to the system can exploit this weakness to disrupt database operations, leading to service interruptions that may cascade through dependent applications and services. The performance degradation or complete unavailability of MySQL services can result in significant business disruption, particularly in mission-critical environments where database uptime is essential. Organizations relying on MySQL 5.7.10 or earlier versions face potential data access issues and service outages that could affect customer operations and regulatory compliance requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0663 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to the latest available versions that address this vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unusual performance schema activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to minimize the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized personnel have local access to database systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous behavior patterns associated with performance schema manipulation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1499.004, which covers network disruption, and T1566.001, which addresses spearphishing through social engineering, as local exploitation typically requires either legitimate access or successful privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the database infrastructure, with particular attention to the Performance Schema and related monitoring components.