CVE-2012-1675 in Database 11g
Summary
by MITRE
The TNS Listener, as used in Oracle Database 11g 11.1.0.7, 11.2.0.2, and 11.2.0.3, and 10g 10.2.0.3, 10.2.0.4, and 10.2.0.5, as used in Oracle Fusion Middleware, Enterprise Manager, E-Business Suite, and possibly other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary database commands by performing a remote registration of a database (1) instance or (2) service name that already exists, then conducting a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack to hijack database connections, aka "TNS Poison."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1675 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle Database's TNS Listener component that affects multiple versions of Oracle Database 10g and 11g across various Oracle Fusion Middleware products. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the TNS (Transparent Network Substrate) protocol's registration mechanism to enable remote code execution. The flaw specifically targets the TNS Listener's handling of database instance and service name registrations, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate connection processes and potentially gain unauthorized access to database systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it combines elements of service registration manipulation with man-in-the-middle attack techniques, allowing adversaries to hijack legitimate database connections and execute arbitrary commands within the target database environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the TNS Listener's insufficient validation of registration requests when duplicate instance or service names are encountered. When an attacker successfully registers an existing database instance or service name through the TNS protocol, the listener accepts this registration without proper authentication or authorization checks. This creates a scenario where the attacker can effectively poison the TNS registration tables, leading to connection redirection. The vulnerability operates under CWE-200, which categorizes it as an information exposure flaw, but its impact extends far beyond simple information disclosure. The attack requires the attacker to first register a duplicate service or instance name, then execute a man-in-the-middle attack to intercept and redirect legitimate database connections. This dual requirement makes the vulnerability more sophisticated than typical remote code execution flaws, as it necessitates both initial access through service registration and subsequent network manipulation to achieve full command execution capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1675 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on Oracle Database systems for critical business operations. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, execute administrative commands, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Oracle products including Fusion Middleware, Enterprise Manager, E-Business Suite, and other Oracle applications that utilize the TNS protocol for database communication. Organizations using affected versions of Oracle Database are particularly vulnerable because the attack can be executed remotely without requiring prior authentication to the database system. The man-in-the-middle component of the attack means that network traffic interception capabilities are sufficient to exploit this vulnerability, making it accessible to attackers who may not have direct access to the database infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1566, which addresses credential access through network sniffing and interception.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1675 require a multi-layered approach that addresses both the immediate vulnerability and underlying network security weaknesses. Organizations should immediately apply Oracle's security patches and updates that address the TNS Listener registration validation flaws, as these patches specifically target the root cause of the vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TNS listener ports, particularly limiting access to trusted networks and IP addresses. The implementation of network monitoring tools to detect unusual registration patterns or connection redirection attempts can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary TNS listener services and implementing strong authentication mechanisms for database access. Security teams should conduct thorough network audits to identify and remediate any TNS listener configurations that may be vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of network security monitoring and intrusion detection systems that can identify man-in-the-middle attack patterns, as these are essential for detecting and preventing exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their database access controls and implement principle of least privilege configurations to minimize the potential impact if exploitation occurs.