CVE-2006-0551 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Data Pump Metadata API in Oracle Database 10g and possibly earlier might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unknown vectors. NOTE: due to the lack of relevant details from the Oracle advisory, a separate CVE is being created since it cannot be conclusively proven that this issue has been addressed by Oracle. It is possible that this is the same issue as Oracle Vuln# DB06 from the January 2006 CPU, in which case this would be subsumed by CVE-2006-0259 or, if it is DB05, subsumed by CVE-2006-0260.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0551 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Oracle Database 10g's Data Pump Metadata API, potentially affecting earlier versions as well. This vulnerability resides in the database's metadata handling mechanisms that process export and import operations through the Data Pump utility. The Data Pump Metadata API serves as a core component for database migration and backup operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to database systems. The vulnerability's classification as a SQL injection issue indicates that malicious input can be injected into database queries through the API's metadata processing functions, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Data Pump Metadata API's parameter handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted metadata parameters that bypass normal input filtering procedures, enabling them to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database execution engine. The unspecified vector nature of the attack suggests that the vulnerability could be triggered through multiple pathways within the Data Pump functionality, including various export/import scenarios, parameter combinations, or metadata processing operations. This lack of specific attack vectors in the original advisory creates significant challenges for security professionals attempting to assess risk exposure and implement effective mitigations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it could enable complete database compromise through remote code execution. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data modification, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and even complete system compromise. The severity is amplified by the fact that Data Pump operations are commonly used for routine database maintenance and migration tasks, meaning the vulnerability could be exploited during normal database operations without raising immediate suspicion. Organizations relying on Oracle Database 10g for critical business operations face significant risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, particularly in environments where database administrators grant broad privileges to Data Pump operations.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of Oracle Database installations to the latest available security patches, as Oracle would have addressed this issue in subsequent releases. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of database systems to untrusted networks, particularly restricting access to Data Pump functionality. Input validation measures and parameterized queries should be enforced at application layers that interact with database systems, though the primary defense remains proper patch management. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring of database activities, particularly Data Pump operations, to detect unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in database applications, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques involving command execution and privilege escalation through database manipulation. The uncertainty regarding whether this vulnerability was addressed in Oracle's January 2006 CPU updates highlights the importance of thorough patch verification and comprehensive vulnerability management programs that account for potential duplicate or overlapping vulnerability identifications in security advisories.