CVE-2015-0455 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the XDB - XML Database 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0455 resides within Oracle Database Server's XDB - XML Database component, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple versions including 11.2.0.3, 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.1, and 12.1.0.2. This flaw falls under the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the confidentiality aspect of the database system's security model. The XDB component is designed to handle XML data within the database environment, providing functionality for storing, retrieving, and managing XML documents alongside traditional relational data structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and validation mechanisms within the XML Database component's processing routines. While the exact vector remains unspecified in the initial description, such vulnerabilities typically arise from improper input validation, inadequate privilege checks, or flawed authentication mechanisms that allow authenticated users to bypass intended security boundaries. The unspecified nature of the attack vector suggests that the flaw may manifest through multiple pathways within the XML processing stack, potentially including malformed XML requests, improper resource access patterns, or exploitation of specific XML database functions that should otherwise be restricted.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to organizations relying on Oracle Database environments, particularly those handling sensitive data where confidentiality is paramount. The fact that the attack requires only authenticated access means that the threat vector could be exploited by insiders or compromised legitimate users, making detection particularly challenging. The impact on confidentiality could range from unauthorized access to sensitive XML data stored within the database to potential exposure of business-critical information stored in XML format, potentially affecting intellectual property, customer data, or financial records depending on the organization's data landscape.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and may exhibit characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing). Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of XML database access patterns and establish strict access controls for database users with XML processing privileges. The remediation approach typically involves applying Oracle's security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to database systems, and conducting thorough security assessments of XML processing workflows. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous XML database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of securing modern database systems where multiple components interact, and highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all database versions. The unspecified nature of the attack vector underscores the need for thorough vulnerability assessment and penetration testing of database environments to identify potential exploitation pathways that may not be immediately apparent from standard security scans. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls for database users and establishing robust audit trails for XML database operations to facilitate both compliance requirements and incident response activities.