CVE-2001-0831 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Oracle Label Security in Oracle 8.1.7 and 9.0.1, when audit functionality, SET_LABEL, or SQL*Predicate is being used, allows local users to gain additional access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2025
Oracle Label Security represents a critical access control mechanism within Oracle database systems designed to enforce data confidentiality through label-based security policies. This vulnerability exists within Oracle 8.1.7 and 9.0.1 versions where the interaction between audit functionality, SET_LABEL operations, and SQL*Predicate mechanisms creates an exploitable condition that allows local users to escalate their privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when these security components are actively engaged, creating a path for unauthorized access that bypasses normal security controls. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of security labels during predicate evaluation and audit processing, enabling malicious users to manipulate label assignments and thereby gain access to data they should not be permitted to view.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of security labels within Oracle's Label Security framework when audit trails are being generated or when label modifications occur through SET_LABEL operations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific SQL statements that manipulate the label evaluation process, effectively allowing them to bypass the normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized data access. This weakness operates at the intersection of multiple security mechanisms, where the audit subsystem's interaction with label management creates a window for privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate database functionality rather than exploiting a direct code execution flaw, making detection more challenging.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise the entire data confidentiality model that Oracle Label Security is designed to protect. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can access sensitive information that should be restricted based on security labels, potentially leading to data breaches and unauthorized disclosure of classified information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges initially and can be executed by users who already have basic database access. This makes the vulnerability especially dangerous in environments where database administrators have broad access rights, as attackers can use this to escalate privileges and gain administrative access to the database system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of Oracle database installations to versions that address the label security flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of audit logs to detect anomalous label manipulation activities and SET_LABEL operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced more rigorously, limiting local user access to database functionality that might trigger the vulnerability. Additionally, security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that audit functionality is properly configured and that label management operations are appropriately restricted. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts to understand the privilege escalation pathway. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious label manipulation patterns that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.