CVE-2016-2346 in PL-SQL Developer
Summary
by MITRE
Allround Automations PL/SQL Developer 11 before 11.0.6 relies on unverified HTTP data for updates, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code by modifying fields in the client-server data stream.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2346 affects Allround Automations PL/SQL Developer version 11.0.5 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from improper validation of HTTP data during the update process. This issue creates a pathway for man-in-the-middle attackers to compromise the affected software by manipulating data within the client-server communication stream. The flaw specifically resides in how the application handles update verification mechanisms, failing to implement proper cryptographic validation or data integrity checks before processing update information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through interception and modification of HTTP traffic between the PL/SQL Developer client and update servers. Attackers can position themselves between the client and server to alter fields in the data stream, particularly those related to update metadata, version information, or binary payloads. When the application processes these unverified updates, it executes the modified code without proper authentication or integrity verification, leading to arbitrary code execution on the victim's system. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation and CWE-94 which covers improper control of generation of code, as the application fails to validate update sources and executes potentially malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to gain full control over affected systems running vulnerable PL/SQL Developer versions. Attackers can install backdoors, modify database connections, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. Given that PL/SQL Developer is commonly used by database administrators and developers for critical database operations, the compromise of such systems can lead to significant data breaches and operational disruptions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where database administrators frequently use this tool for development and maintenance tasks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2346 primarily involve immediate patching to version 11.0.6 or later, which addresses the update verification flaw through proper implementation of cryptographic checks and data integrity validation. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous update traffic patterns and ensure that all communication with update servers occurs over secure channels. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help prevent unauthorized access to update servers, while regular security assessments should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Additionally, implementing certificate pinning and validating update signatures through trusted certificate authorities would provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreters, and T1557 for man-in-the-middle attacks, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat.