CVE-2010-3595 in Fusion Middleware
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Oracle Document Capture component in Oracle Fusion Middleware 10.1.3.4 and 10.1.3.5 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors related to Import Server. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the January 2011 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from the original researcher that remote attackers can read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the first argument to the ImportBodyText method in the EasyMail ActiveX control (emsmtp.dll).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3595 resides within Oracle Document Capture component of Oracle Fusion Middleware versions 10.1.3.4 and 10.1.3.5, representing a critical security weakness that could potentially compromise data confidentiality. This issue manifests through unspecified attack vectors related to the Import Server functionality, creating a significant risk for organizations utilizing these middleware components. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though subsequent research has revealed specific exploitation techniques involving the EasyMail ActiveX control. The lack of detailed information from Oracle regarding the original researcher's findings suggests either incomplete disclosure or a complex attack surface that requires deeper analysis to fully understand.
The technical flaw specifically involves the ImportBodyText method within the emsmtp.dll ActiveX control, where remote attackers can manipulate the first argument to execute arbitrary file reads through full pathnames. This represents a classic file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly access system files that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the ActiveX control level, leveraging the trust model inherent in Windows ActiveX components where legitimate applications can execute code with elevated privileges. This flaw creates a pathway for attackers to access sensitive files that may contain confidential information, user credentials, or system configuration data that should not be accessible to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a complete breakdown in the security model of the Oracle Fusion Middleware environment. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about system configurations, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper access to network resources. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where such systems are exposed to external networks. Organizations using Oracle Document Capture may face significant data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties if this vulnerability is exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of security patches provided by Oracle, though organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit access to affected systems. The use of application whitelisting policies can prevent execution of the vulnerable ActiveX control, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for the use of ActiveX controls in exploitation. Regular updates to security policies and employee training on ActiveX control risks should be implemented to prevent exploitation through social engineering or unauthorized software installations.