CVE-2016-0492 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Oracle Application Testing Suite component in Oracle Enterprise Manager Grid Control 12.4.0.2 and 12.5.0.2 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality and integrity via unknown vectors related to Load Testing for Web Apps, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0488. NOTE: the previous information is from the January 2016 CPU. Oracle has not commented on third-party claims that this is a directory traversal vulnerability in the isAllowedUrl function, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via directory traversal sequences following a URI entry that does not require authentication, as demonstrated by olt/Login.do/../../olt/UploadFileUpload.do.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0492 affects the Oracle Application Testing Suite component within Oracle Enterprise Manager Grid Control versions 12.4.0.2 and 12.5.0.2. This issue represents a significant security weakness that could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data within enterprise environments. The vulnerability specifically relates to Load Testing for Web Applications functionality, distinguishing it from other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2016-0488 that affects different components of the same software suite. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified in the initial disclosure indicates that the exact technical mechanism was not fully detailed in the original advisory, though subsequent analysis has provided more concrete information about its nature and exploitation methods.
Technical analysis reveals that this vulnerability manifests as a directory traversal issue within the isAllowedUrl function of the application testing suite. This directory traversal flaw enables malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms by exploiting URI processing sequences that do not require prior authentication. The specific exploitation technique demonstrated involves manipulating URI paths using directory traversal sequences such as the well-known "../" pattern that allows attackers to navigate outside of intended directories. The attack vector specifically targets the olt/Login.do/../../olt/UploadFileUpload.do endpoint, which represents a clear path traversal vulnerability that could potentially allow unauthorized access to administrative functions and file upload capabilities. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Directory Traversal, which is a fundamental security weakness that has been consistently exploited across numerous applications and platforms over many years.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0492 extends beyond simple data confidentiality breaches as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise system integrity through unauthorized file operations and potentially execute malicious code. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files to the server, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's ability to bypass authentication mechanisms makes it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized users to gain access to privileged functions without proper credentials. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can result in unauthorized data manipulation, system misconfiguration, and potential data exfiltration. The attack scenario described demonstrates how an attacker could exploit the directory traversal to reach upload functionality that should be restricted to authenticated administrators, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and persistent access to the system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle patches and updates released in their January 2016 Critical Patch Update. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable components to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation measures can help detect and prevent directory traversal attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious URI patterns and unusual file upload activities. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader Oracle Enterprise Manager Grid Control environment. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely heavily on Oracle's enterprise management solutions for critical infrastructure operations. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing and the need for robust input validation mechanisms in enterprise applications that handle user-supplied data.