CVE-2015-0476 in SQL Trace Analyzer
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the SQL Trace Analyzer component in Oracle Support Tools before 12.1.11 allows remote authenticated users to affect confidentiality and integrity via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0476 resides within Oracle Support Tools' SQL Trace Analyzer component, specifically affecting versions prior to 12.1.11. This unspecified weakness represents a critical security gap in Oracle's database management ecosystem that could be exploited by authenticated attackers to compromise both data confidentiality and integrity. The SQL Trace Analyzer serves as a diagnostic tool within Oracle's support infrastructure, designed to analyze and interpret database trace files generated during system operations. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though the impact on confidentiality and integrity suggests a potentially severe compromise of database operations and sensitive information.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of authenticated user requests within the SQL Trace Analyzer module, creating potential attack vectors that could allow malicious actors to manipulate trace data or extract sensitive information from database operations. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of database administration and security monitoring, where the tool's functionality for analyzing system traces becomes a potential entry point for attackers who have already established legitimate authentication credentials. The attack surface extends beyond simple data access to include data modification capabilities, meaning that compromised systems could face both information disclosure and data integrity violations.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing Oracle Support Tools, particularly those with extensive database monitoring practices. The authenticated nature of the attack means that the threat typically originates from within the organization, potentially through compromised user accounts, insider threats, or lateral movement from other compromised systems. The impact extends to both the confidentiality of database operations and the integrity of trace data, which could be manipulated to obscure malicious activities or to alter diagnostic information used for system troubleshooting. Organizations relying on SQL Trace Analyzer for performance monitoring, security auditing, or compliance verification could face serious consequences if this vulnerability is exploited.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to insufficient access control mechanisms within Oracle's support tools, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1070.004 Indicator Removal on Host for potential manipulation of trace data. Effective mitigation strategies include applying Oracle's security patches and updates, implementing strict access controls for SQL Trace Analyzer functionality, and conducting regular security assessments of database support tools. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit access to database support components and establish monitoring procedures for unusual activities in trace data analysis operations. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for users accessing support tools and maintaining detailed audit trails can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping database support infrastructure updated and maintaining comprehensive security controls around diagnostic and monitoring tools that may inadvertently provide attack vectors for sophisticated threats.