CVE-2006-0261 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Oracle Database server 8.1.7.4, 9.0.1.5, 9.2.0.7, and 10.1.0.5 have unspecified impact and attack vectors, as identified by Oracle Vuln# (1) DB07 in the Dictionary component and (2) DB14 in the Oracle Label Security component. NOTE: Oracle has not disputed reliable researcher claims that DB07 involves plaintext storage of the TDE wallet password in a trace file by event 10053.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0261 represents a critical security weakness within Oracle Database server versions 8.1.7.4, 9.0.1.5, 9.2.0.7, and 10.1.0.5, specifically affecting the Dictionary and Oracle Label Security components. This issue stems from Oracle's handling of sensitive cryptographic information within its database infrastructure, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of protected data. The vulnerabilities are categorized under Oracle's internal vulnerability numbering system where DB07 and DB14 represent distinct security flaws within different database components. Security researchers have documented that DB07 particularly involves the insecure storage of Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) wallet passwords in plaintext within trace files generated by event 10053, which directly violates fundamental security principles for protecting sensitive cryptographic keys.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of cryptographic credentials within Oracle's database environment, specifically through the exposure of TDE wallet passwords in trace files that are not adequately secured or restricted. This vulnerability represents a direct violation of security best practices and standards such as those outlined in CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (CWE-522: Insufficiently Protected Credentials). When event 10053 is triggered, the database generates trace files containing plaintext passwords that should remain protected, effectively providing attackers with direct access to cryptographic keys necessary for decrypting sensitive database information. The impact extends beyond simple credential exposure as it compromises the fundamental security model of Transparent Data Encryption, which is designed to protect data at rest from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly for organizations relying on Oracle Database for critical data storage and protection. Attackers who can access these trace files gain immediate access to TDE wallet passwords, enabling them to decrypt sensitive information stored in the database without requiring additional authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (T1552.001: Unsecured Credentials) and T1552.004 (T1552.004: Credentials in Files) as it exposes sensitive credentials through insecure file storage. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations implementing Oracle Label Security, which is designed to provide fine-grained access control, but the presence of plaintext credentials undermines the security posture of the entire system. The potential for data breaches increases significantly when considering that these trace files may be accessible to unauthorized users through various attack vectors including local system compromise, improper file permissions, or through legitimate administrative access that is not properly secured.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting access to trace files generated by Oracle Database, ensuring proper file permissions are enforced on database trace directories, and implementing monitoring for event 10053 trace file creation. The recommended approach involves configuring Oracle Database to disable or properly secure trace file generation, particularly for events that may expose sensitive information. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of database trace file locations and access controls, while also implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access to these files. Additionally, organizations should consider upgrading to patched versions of Oracle Database where available, as Oracle's official patch releases would address these specific vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive security training for database administrators to understand the importance of trace file management and the risks associated with plaintext credential exposure in database environments.