CVE-2016-3615 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.5.49 and earlier, 5.6.30 and earlier, and 5.7.12 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via vectors related to Server: DML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3615 represents a critical availability issue within Oracle MySQL database systems affecting multiple version ranges including 5.5.49 and earlier, 5.6.30 and earlier, and 5.7.12 and earlier. This weakness specifically targets the Server component of MySQL and is categorized under DML (Data Manipulation Language) operations, indicating that the flaw manifests during database query processing and data modification activities. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured in the initial disclosure, though the impact on system availability is clearly defined.
This vulnerability operates within the context of authenticated remote access, meaning that attackers must possess valid credentials to exploit the weakness. The attack vector relates to server-side DML operations, which encompass standard SQL commands such as insert, update, and delete operations that manipulate database records. The flaw allows malicious actors to disrupt database availability through carefully crafted DML statements that trigger unexpected behavior in the MySQL server process. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of denial of service conditions where legitimate database operations are compromised, potentially leading to complete system unavailability.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3615 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database infrastructures. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause MySQL server processes to crash, become unresponsive, or require manual restart to restore normal operations. This represents a significant concern for database administrators as it affects the reliability and uptime of critical business applications that depend on MySQL for data storage and retrieval. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation without requiring special privileges makes it particularly dangerous in environments where database access controls may be insufficient.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within a Single-System) and CWE-400 (Uncontrolled Resource Consumption) categories, indicating that the flaw stems from inadequate input validation and resource management within the DML processing subsystem. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499.004 subtechnique for Network Denial of Service, where adversaries target database services to disrupt availability. Organizations implementing MySQL in production environments should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly when evaluating their incident response capabilities and system recovery procedures.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2016-3615 primarily involves applying the official Oracle security patches and updates released for affected MySQL versions. Database administrators should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of MySQL 5.5.50, 5.6.31, or 5.7.13, depending on their current deployment. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact by restricting unauthorized access to database servers. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in database configurations and applications. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to ensure rapid restoration of database services in case of successful exploitation attempts.