CVE-2012-3137 in Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Summary
by MITRE
The authentication protocol in Oracle Database Server 10.2.0.3, 10.2.0.4, 10.2.0.5, 11.1.0.7, 11.2.0.2, and 11.2.0.3 allows remote attackers to obtain the session key and salt for arbitrary users, which leaks information about the cryptographic hash and makes it easier to conduct brute force password guessing attacks, aka "stealth password cracking vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3137 represents a critical weakness in Oracle Database Server authentication mechanisms that fundamentally undermines the security of user credentials. This flaw affects multiple versions including 10.2.0.3 through 10.2.0.5 and 11.1.0.7 through 11.2.0.3, creating a widespread exposure across the Oracle database ecosystem. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level within the authentication framework, specifically targeting how session keys and salts are handled during the authentication process. This weakness enables remote attackers to extract cryptographic information that should remain protected within the system's secure channels.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient protection of cryptographic parameters during authentication exchanges. When users attempt to authenticate against the Oracle Database Server, the system generates session keys and salts that are meant to be ephemeral and securely handled within the authentication protocol. However, the flaw allows attackers to intercept and extract this information without proper authorization, effectively compromising the cryptographic foundation that protects user passwords. This extraction process reveals information about the cryptographic hash structure, which significantly weakens the security posture of the authentication system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations relying on Oracle Database Server for critical data storage and management. The exposure of session keys and salts enables attackers to conduct more efficient brute force password guessing attacks against user accounts, as they now possess information that would normally be required to perform such attacks through legitimate means. The stealth aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to perform credential compromise activities without generating obvious network traffic patterns that might trigger intrusion detection systems. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for credential access through brute force methods, while also mapping to CWE-310 for cryptographic weakness in authentication protocols.
The implications extend beyond simple credential theft, as this vulnerability can serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks within the database environment. Once attackers have obtained session keys and salts, they can potentially escalate their privileges within the database system or use this information to target other systems that may share similar authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability also affects the overall trust model of the Oracle Database Server, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions about how authentication should operate. Organizations using affected versions face increased risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential compliance violations. The impact is particularly severe in environments where Oracle Database servers store critical business data, financial records, or personally identifiable information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3137 require immediate implementation of Oracle's security patches and updates, as well as comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement additional authentication controls such as account lockout mechanisms, multi-factor authentication, and regular password policy enforcement to reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper security monitoring procedures to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the database infrastructure.