CVE-2008-2625 in Database 10g
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Core RDBMS component in Oracle Database 9.2.0.8, 9.2.0.8DV, 10.1.0.5, and 10.2.0.2 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality and integrity via unknown vectors. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the Oracle October 2008 CPU. Oracle has not commented on reliable researcher claims that this issue involves an authentication bypass by establishing a TNS connection and impersonating a user session via a crafted authentication message during proxy authentication mode.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2625 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Database's Core RDBMS component affecting multiple versions including 9.2.0.8, 9.2.0.8DV, 10.1.0.5, and 10.2.0.2. This unspecified vulnerability operates at the core database engine level and presents a significant risk to data confidentiality and integrity, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where database security is paramount. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests that Oracle initially did not provide detailed technical information about the exact nature of the flaw, though subsequent research has illuminated its true scope and impact.
The technical flaw manifests through TNS (Transparent Network Substrate) connection handling during proxy authentication mode, where attackers can exploit a weakness in the authentication process to impersonate legitimate user sessions. This authentication bypass occurs when a malicious actor establishes a TNS connection and crafts a specially designed authentication message that exploits the proxy authentication mechanism. The vulnerability essentially allows unauthorized users to gain access to database resources that should only be available to authenticated and authorized personnel, effectively undermining the entire database security framework. This type of flaw directly maps to CWE-287 - Improper Authentication, which is a fundamental security weakness that affects the core security controls of database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling attackers to perform data manipulation, unauthorized access, and information disclosure across affected Oracle Database installations. In a real-world scenario, this vulnerability could allow malicious actors to access sensitive corporate data, modify database records, or even delete critical information, all while remaining undetected by normal security monitoring systems. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from outside the organization's network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for databases that are exposed to the internet or accessible through public network connections. The implications extend beyond simple data theft, as the integrity of database operations can be compromised, potentially leading to system instability and business disruption.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Oracle security patches released in their October 2008 Critical Patch Update, which specifically addressed this authentication bypass issue. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit TNS connection exposure, particularly in environments where proxy authentication is enabled. The implementation of additional monitoring mechanisms to detect unusual authentication patterns and TNS connection attempts can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and disable proxy authentication mode where possible, as this vulnerability specifically targets that authentication mechanism. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1078 - Valid Accounts and T1566 - Phishing, as it allows attackers to leverage valid authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access and maintain persistent access to database resources. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict TNS port access and deploy database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.