CVE-2008-2592 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Advanced Replication component in Oracle Database 9.0.1.5 FIPS+, 9.2.0.8, 9.2.0.8DV, 10.1.0.5, 10.2.0.4, and 11.1.0.6 has unknown impact and remote authenticated attack vectors related to SYS.DBMS_DEFER_SYS. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the Oracle July 2008 CPU. Oracle has not commented on reliable researcher claims that this is a SQL injection vulnerability in the DELETE_TRAN procedure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2592 resides within Oracle Database's Advanced Replication component, specifically affecting multiple versions including 9.0.1.5 FIPS+, 9.2.0.8, 9.2.0.8DV, 10.1.0.5, 10.2.0.4, and 11.1.0.6. This security flaw is particularly concerning as it operates within the SYS.DBMS_DEFER_SYS package, which handles deferred transaction processing in Oracle's replication architecture. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified makes it particularly dangerous since the exact nature and scope of the weakness remains unclear, potentially encompassing multiple attack vectors and impact scenarios. The vulnerability's discovery through Oracle's July 2008 CPU patch cycle indicates it was actively being addressed by Oracle's security team, though the company's lack of specific commentary on the issue suggests either the vulnerability's complexity or the sensitivity of its exploitation methods. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability likely manifests as a SQL injection flaw within the DELETE_TRAN procedure, which represents a critical weakness in database security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability within the Advanced Replication framework creates significant operational risks for database environments. The SYS.DBMS_DEFER_SYS package serves as a critical interface for managing deferred transactions, which are essential for maintaining data consistency across distributed database systems. When a SQL injection vulnerability exists within the DELETE_TRAN procedure, it allows authenticated attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters. This weakness directly relates to CWE-89, which describes SQL injection vulnerabilities, and represents a fundamental breach in database input validation and parameter handling. The authenticated attack vector requirement means that attackers must first establish legitimate database credentials, but this does not mitigate the severity of the potential impact since authenticated users typically have elevated privileges within database systems.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as it can compromise the entire replication infrastructure within Oracle Database environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially manipulate deferred transaction queues, disrupt data synchronization processes, or execute arbitrary database commands with elevated privileges. The Advanced Replication component's role in maintaining data consistency across multiple database instances makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where data integrity is paramount. Organizations utilizing Oracle Database versions affected by CVE-2008-2592 face risks of data loss, replication failures, and potential unauthorized data manipulation that could affect business continuity and regulatory compliance. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams also means that organizations across different Oracle Database releases must implement appropriate security measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving SQL injection and privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to move laterally within database environments and establish persistent access to critical data systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2592 should focus on immediate patching of affected Oracle Database versions, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring database activities for suspicious transaction processing patterns. Organizations should prioritize applying Oracle's security patches released in the July 2008 CPU, which specifically address this vulnerability within the Advanced Replication component. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and database access controls can reduce the attack surface by limiting access to the SYS.DBMS_DEFER_SYS package to only essential administrative users. Database administrators should also implement comprehensive monitoring of deferred transaction operations and establish alerting mechanisms for unusual transaction processing patterns. The vulnerability's nature as a SQL injection issue also necessitates input validation and parameterized queries throughout the database environment, though the specific nature of the flaw within DELETE_TRAN requires careful attention to how deferred transactions are processed. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in replication processes, as these systems are particularly vulnerable to exploitation of this type of vulnerability.