CVE-2007-6260 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
The installation process for Oracle 10g and llg uses accounts with default passwords, which allows remote attackers to obtain login access by connecting to the Listener. NOTE: at the end of the installation, if performed using the Database Configuration Assistant (DBCA), most accounts are disabled or their passwords are changed.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-6260 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle Database 10g and 11g installation processes that creates persistent authentication weaknesses through default credential usage. This issue occurs during the initial database setup phase where Oracle installations utilize pre-configured accounts with well-known default passwords, creating an exploitable entry point for remote attackers who can connect directly to the database listener service. The vulnerability specifically targets the installation workflow rather than the operational database environment, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the very foundation of database security from the moment of deployment. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to database systems before proper security measures are implemented, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from Oracle's default installation configuration that pre-creates database accounts with predictable and easily guessable passwords. When the Database Configuration Assistant (DBCA) is used for installation, the system typically disables most accounts or changes their passwords, but this remediation does not occur during the initial setup phase when default credentials remain active and accessible. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to establish connections through the Oracle Listener service, which serves as the primary communication endpoint for database clients. This attack vector aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications, and represents a classic example of weak authentication mechanisms that persist through the installation lifecycle. The Oracle Listener service, by default, accepts connections from remote systems without proper authentication verification, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit immediately upon installation completion.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6260 extends far beyond the initial installation phase, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized data access. Remote attackers who gain access through default credentials can perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, unauthorized database modifications, privilege escalation, and potentially lateral movement within network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence means that even after the initial installation, if proper security hardening is not performed, the system remains vulnerable to exploitation. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to establish persistent access and conduct long-term reconnaissance activities. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where database systems contain critical business data, financial records, and sensitive personal information. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) techniques, as attackers can leverage legitimate accounts with default passwords to maintain access and exploit the database's public-facing listener service.
Organizations can mitigate this vulnerability through several critical measures that focus on proper installation hardening and credential management. The primary recommendation involves ensuring that all default database accounts are either disabled or have their passwords changed during the initial installation process, particularly when using the Database Configuration Assistant. Security administrators should implement strict password policies that enforce complex, unique credentials for all database accounts and regularly audit account configurations to identify any default credentials that may still be active. Network security controls should be implemented to restrict access to the Oracle Listener service, limiting connections to trusted IP addresses and implementing proper firewall rules. The use of Oracle's built-in security features such as password complexity requirements and account lockout mechanisms should be enabled and configured appropriately. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to verify that default accounts have been properly secured and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to database systems. Proper vulnerability management and patching procedures should be established to prevent similar issues in future installations and ensure that database systems maintain appropriate security postures throughout their operational lifecycle.