CVE-2016-5616 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle MySQL 5.5.51 and earlier, 5.6.32 and earlier, and 5.7.14 and earlier allows local users to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via vectors related to Server: MyISAM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5616 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle MySQL database systems affecting multiple version lines including 5.5.51 and earlier, 5.6.32 and earlier, and 5.7.14 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically impacts the MyISAM storage engine component of the MySQL server and is classified as a local privilege escalation issue that can compromise the fundamental security guarantees of the database system. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability description indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though the impact spans all three critical security properties: confidentiality, integrity, and availability as defined by the CIA triad.
The technical flaw resides within the MyISAM storage engine implementation where local attackers can exploit insufficient access controls and privilege validation mechanisms to manipulate database files and system resources. This allows adversaries with local system access to potentially read sensitive data, modify database structures, and disrupt service availability through various attack vectors related to MyISAM table handling. The vulnerability's classification as a local issue means that exploitation requires an attacker to already have access to the system, but the privilege escalation potential makes it particularly dangerous in environments where local accounts might be compromised or where attackers can obtain legitimate access through other means.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to database systems and potentially escalate privileges to gain broader system control. The MyISAM storage engine's specific implementation flaws create opportunities for attackers to manipulate table metadata, corrupt data files, and potentially execute arbitrary code within the database server context. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where MySQL servers often contain sensitive business data and where local access might be obtained through legitimate administrative activities or compromised user accounts.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework where it might map to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE categories related to insufficient access control and improper privilege handling within database systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Oracle security patches, restricting local system access to database servers, and implementing comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized local access attempts. Additionally, database administrators should consider implementing proper access controls and privilege management to limit the potential impact of such local vulnerabilities, as the attack surface expands when local accounts are compromised. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date database systems and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against both remote and local exploitation attempts.