CVE-2014-6577 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the XML Developer's Kit for C component in Oracle Database Server 11.2.0.3, 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.1, and 12.1.0.2 allows remote authenticated users to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors. NOTE: the previous information is from the January 2015 CPU. Oracle has not commented on the original researcher's claim that this is an XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in the XML parser, which allows attackers to conduct internal port scanning, perform SSRF attacks, or cause a denial of service via a crafted (1) http: or (2) ftp: URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6577 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Database Server's XML Developer's Kit for C component, affecting multiple version streams including 11.2.0.3, 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.1, and 12.1.0.2. This unspecified weakness falls under the broader category of XML external entity processing vulnerabilities, which are classified as CWE-611 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability's classification as an XXE issue indicates that it stems from improper handling of external entity references within XML documents, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by authenticated remote attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the XML parser's inadequate validation and processing of external entity declarations within XML documents. When the XML Developer's Kit for C component processes XML data containing crafted external entity references, it fails to properly restrict access to internal network resources or validate the origins of external references. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the XML parsing behavior to access internal network services, potentially conducting port scanning operations against internal systems that would normally be protected from external access. The vulnerability specifically mentions that attackers can exploit http: and ftp: URI schemes, indicating that the parser's handling of network protocols within XML contexts creates opportunities for attackers to initiate connections to internal resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6577 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with capabilities that align with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform server-side request forgery attacks, which can be leveraged to bypass network security controls and access internal systems that would otherwise be restricted. Additionally, the flaw can be exploited to conduct internal port scanning activities, allowing attackers to map internal network topology and identify vulnerable services. The potential for denial of service attacks through crafted XML payloads further compounds the risk, as attackers could potentially disrupt database operations or consume system resources through malformed XML processing. The authenticated nature of the attack means that only users with valid database credentials need to be compromised, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where database access is widely distributed.
Organizations affected by CVE-2014-6577 should implement immediate mitigations including applying Oracle's security patches and updates released as part of their regular patch management procedures. The vulnerability's classification as an XXE issue suggests that input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened, particularly in XML processing components. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be reviewed to limit access to database servers and restrict outbound connections from database systems. Additionally, implementing proper XML parser configurations that disable external entity processing and DTD loading can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in XML processing activities and potential internal port scanning attempts. The vulnerability's nature aligns with ATT&CK techniques focused on server-side request forgery and privilege escalation through compromised database access, making comprehensive security auditing essential for organizations that have not yet applied the necessary patches.