CVE-2016-0691 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-2016-0690.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0691 represents a significant 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 broader category of database security vulnerabilities that can compromise the integrity of critical enterprise data systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the RDBMS Security component which is responsible for enforcing access controls, authentication mechanisms, and data protection policies within Oracle's database infrastructure. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same advisory set such as CVE-2016-0690, this flaw operates through distinct attack vectors that exploit weaknesses in the database server's internal security enforcement mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves unspecified attack vectors that enable local users to manipulate database integrity controls. Local privilege escalation vulnerabilities of this nature typically arise from insufficient validation of user permissions, improper access control checks, or flawed privilege management within database components. The RDBMS Security component's failure to properly validate or enforce security policies creates opportunities for malicious local users to bypass established integrity controls. This could potentially allow attackers to modify database contents, alter access permissions, or corrupt data integrity mechanisms that protect against unauthorized modifications. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple pathways including privilege escalation, access control bypass, or manipulation of database security policies.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to enterprise database environments where Oracle Database Server serves as a critical data repository. Local users with legitimate access to database systems could exploit this weakness to compromise data integrity without requiring external network access or elevated privileges. The potential consequences include unauthorized data modification, disruption of business continuity, and compromise of regulatory compliance requirements. Organizations relying on Oracle database systems for mission-critical applications face significant exposure if this vulnerability remains unpatched, as it could enable insider threats or compromised accounts to cause data corruption or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential regulatory violations and loss of system trustworthiness.
Security mitigations for CVE-2016-0691 should prioritize immediate patch application from Oracle's security advisories, as this represents a critical vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of database access patterns and privilege changes to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be enforced to limit potential damage from compromised local accounts. Database administrators should conduct thorough security audits of access controls and privilege assignments to identify and remediate any unnecessary permissions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of database environments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other database components. System hardening procedures, including disabling unnecessary database features and implementing robust logging mechanisms, should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and improve detection capabilities for similar security flaws.