CVE-2016-5590 in MySQL Enterprise Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Enterprise Monitor component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Monitoring: Agent). Supported versions that are affected are 3.1.3.7856 and earlier. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows high privileged attacker with network access via TLS to compromise MySQL Enterprise Monitor. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of MySQL Enterprise Monitor. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 7.2 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5590 resides within the MySQL Enterprise Monitor component of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Monitoring: Agent subcomponent. This flaw affects versions 3.1.3.7856 and earlier, representing a significant security weakness in enterprise database monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability operates at the network level and requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database monitoring systems are critical for operational integrity. The affected component serves as a bridge between the database server and monitoring infrastructure, creating a potential attack vector that could compromise the entire monitoring ecosystem.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication and authorization mechanisms within the MySQL Enterprise Monitor agent. Attackers with network access via TLS can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized control over the monitoring agent, effectively allowing them to manipulate or take complete control of the monitoring infrastructure. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through network-based attacks. The flaw essentially allows a high-privileged attacker to bypass normal access controls and assume the identity of the monitoring agent, which typically operates with elevated permissions to collect and report database metrics.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5590 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a foothold that could lead to complete system compromise. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially manipulate monitoring data, disrupt database operations, or use the compromised monitoring agent as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the database infrastructure. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 7.2 indicates a high severity level with impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability, suggesting that attackers could not only read sensitive monitoring information but also modify or destroy critical operational data. This vulnerability particularly threatens enterprise environments where database monitoring is essential for security operations and compliance requirements.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to versions of MySQL Enterprise Monitor that address this vulnerability, typically those beyond 3.1.3.7856. Network segmentation and strict access controls should be enforced to limit TLS access to monitoring agents, while implementing robust monitoring of agent communications to detect potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and persistence tactics, making it particularly concerning for security operations teams that rely on monitoring systems for threat detection. Additional defensive measures should include regular security assessments of monitoring infrastructure, implementation of network intrusion detection systems, and ensuring that monitoring agents operate with the principle of least privilege. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious activities around monitoring agent processes and communications.