CVE-2016-3471 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.5.45 and earlier and 5.6.26 and earlier allows local users to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via vectors related to Server: Option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3471 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL database systems affecting versions 5.5.45 and earlier, as well as 5.6.26 and earlier. This unspecified weakness resides within the server option handling mechanisms of the database software, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by local users to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as local user exploitable means that an attacker must already have access to the system to leverage this weakness, though the potential impact remains severe given the critical nature of database security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of server options within the MySQL implementation, which could lead to unauthorized data access, modification of critical database components, or disruption of database services. This flaw falls under the broader category of configuration and option handling vulnerabilities that can compromise the fundamental security posture of database systems. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability description suggests that the exact technical mechanism through which the exploit occurs was not fully detailed in the initial disclosure, though it clearly involves server option processing that affects core security properties. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability would likely map to CWE-200 for information exposure or potentially CWE-264 for permissions, privileges, and access control issues.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to organizations relying on affected MySQL versions, as local attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information, modify critical data structures, or cause service disruptions that would affect business operations. The potential for compromising confidentiality means that sensitive data stored in databases could be accessed without proper authorization, while integrity concerns suggest that database modifications could occur without detection. Availability impacts could manifest as denial of service conditions that prevent legitimate users from accessing database resources, potentially causing significant business disruption. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that local access is often easier to achieve than remote exploitation, and database administrators typically have elevated privileges on systems.
Organizations should immediately prioritize patching their MySQL installations to versions that address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation increases with the presence of local user accounts on affected systems. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive vulnerability assessment across all MySQL installations, particularly those running the vulnerable versions mentioned in the CVE. Security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious local user activities and ensure that proper access controls and privilege management are enforced throughout the database environment. Additionally, the remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability is fully resolved without introducing compatibility issues with existing database applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security hardening measures beyond simple patching.