CVE-2004-2134 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Oracle toplink mapping workBench uses a weak encryption algorithm for passwords, which allows local users to decrypt the passwords.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2134 affects Oracle TopLink Mapping Workbench, a component of Oracle's application development framework that provides object-relational mapping capabilities. This flaw resides in the password encryption implementation used by the workbench for storing database connection credentials and other sensitive information. The weakness stems from the use of a deprecated and insufficiently strong encryption algorithm that fails to provide adequate cryptographic protection for stored credentials, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this tool for database connectivity management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of weak cryptographic primitives that do not meet modern security standards for password protection. When users configure database connections within the Oracle TopLink Mapping Workbench, the tool stores these credentials using an encryption method that employs outdated algorithms with insufficient key lengths or flawed cryptographic design. This allows local attackers with access to the system to potentially reverse-engineer or decrypt the stored passwords without requiring additional authentication factors. The vulnerability specifically affects the local privilege escalation vector since it does not require network access or remote exploitation, making it particularly concerning for environments where unauthorized local access is possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised database passwords can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or destruction. Attackers who successfully decrypt stored passwords can gain access to sensitive database environments, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation within database systems, and unauthorized administrative actions. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using Oracle TopLink for enterprise application development, where database credentials are frequently stored within the workbench configuration files. The risk is amplified in environments where multiple developers share systems or where proper access controls are not implemented, as local users may easily obtain the necessary credentials to access production databases.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability, starting with immediate updates to the Oracle TopLink Mapping Workbench to versions that address the encryption weakness. System administrators should also enforce strict access controls on systems running the workbench, limiting local user access and implementing proper file permissions for configuration files containing encrypted credentials. The implementation of additional security measures such as encrypted storage solutions, secure credential management systems, and regular security audits can help reduce the risk of exploitation. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework category T1552, specifically targeting credential access through weak encryption or storage mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to systems containing vulnerable configurations.