CVE-2006-7138 in APEX
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in wwv_flow_utilities.gen_popup_list in the WWV_FLOW_UTILITIES package for Oracle APEX/HTMLDB before 2.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL by modifying the P_LOV parameter and calculating a matching MD5 checksum for the P_LOV_CHECKSUM parameter. NOTE: it is likely that this issue is subsumed by CVE-2006-5351, but due to lack of details from Oracle, this cannot be proven.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2018
The CVE-2006-7138 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Oracle APEX/HTMLDB versions prior to 2.2, specifically within the wwv_flow_utilities.gen_popup_list function of the WWV_FLOW_UTILITIES package. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated manipulation of parameter values where authenticated users can exploit the P_LOV parameter to inject malicious SQL code. The attack mechanism requires the adversary to calculate a matching MD5 checksum for the P_LOV_CHECKSUM parameter, demonstrating a level of technical sophistication that makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it bypasses basic input validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the Oracle APEX framework's utility functions. When the gen_popup_list function processes the P_LOV parameter, it fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries. This flaw creates an environment where malicious SQL commands can be executed within the context of the database session, potentially allowing attackers to access, modify, or delete sensitive data. The requirement to compute the MD5 checksum adds an additional layer of complexity to the attack, as it necessitates understanding of the application's internal cryptographic mechanisms and parameter handling processes.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Oracle APEX/HTMLDB applications, as it allows authenticated users to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary database commands. The fact that this requires authentication means that attackers must first gain valid credentials, but once obtained, they can leverage this vulnerability to compromise database integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability's potential for data exfiltration, unauthorized data manipulation, and system compromise makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Oracle APEX applications handle sensitive business data and user information.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate patching to Oracle APEX/HTMLDB versions 2.2 or later where this issue has been resolved. Additionally, input validation controls should be enhanced to prevent parameter manipulation, and the application should be configured to use proper parameter binding techniques that prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous parameter usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation vector also relates to ATT&CK technique T1068 (Local Port Knocking) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) when considering the authentication requirements and potential for broader system compromise.