CVE-2016-0690 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the RDBMS Security component in Oracle Database Server 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.1, and 12.1.0.2 allows local users to affect integrity via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0691.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0690 represents a security flaw within Oracle Database Server's RDBMS Security component affecting versions 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.1, and 12.1.0.2. This issue falls under the category of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise database integrity. The vulnerability is classified as a local attack vector since it requires an attacker to already have access to the system, typically through legitimate user credentials or administrative access. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it may encompass multiple exploitation techniques that could be leveraged by malicious actors.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability resides within the database server's security infrastructure, specifically targeting the RDBMS Security component which is responsible for enforcing access controls, authentication mechanisms, and data integrity policies. The security component's failure creates potential pathways for attackers to bypass established security controls and manipulate database integrity. This type of vulnerability typically involves weaknesses in how the database server processes security-related operations or validates user privileges, potentially allowing unauthorized modification of data or execution of privileged operations. The vulnerability's classification as affecting integrity indicates that it could enable attackers to corrupt or alter database contents in ways that compromise data consistency and reliability.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0690 extends beyond simple data access violations, as it specifically targets database integrity mechanisms that are fundamental to maintaining data reliability. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow local attackers to modify database records, alter access controls, or manipulate security policies that govern database operations. The potential for integrity compromise means that organizations could face significant data corruption issues, loss of audit trails, or unauthorized data modifications that could affect business operations. Database administrators would face challenges in maintaining trust in their data systems, as the vulnerability could allow for subtle manipulations that might not be immediately apparent. The impact is particularly severe for organizations relying on Oracle Database for critical business operations where data integrity is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0690 should focus on immediate patching of affected Oracle Database versions to address the underlying security flaw in the RDBMS Security component. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control measures, including regular privilege reviews and principle of least privilege enforcement to minimize potential impact if exploitation occurs. Network segmentation and monitoring of database access patterns can help detect anomalous activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential attack vectors within the database environment and ensure that proper audit logging is enabled to track security-relevant operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, and may map to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence within database environments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patch management.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database security patches and implementing robust security monitoring. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability could potentially be exploited through multiple methods, making comprehensive defensive measures essential. Organizations should maintain detailed inventory of their Oracle Database installations to ensure all affected versions are identified and patched promptly, as the security implications extend beyond simple data access to fundamental database integrity protection mechanisms.