CVE-2016-3538 in Agile PLM
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Oracle Agile PLM component in Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite 9.3.4 and 9.3.5 allows remote authenticated users to affect integrity and availability via vectors related to File Folders / Attachment, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3539.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3538 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Agile PLM software version 9.3.4 and 9.3.5, specifically within the Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite. This issue affects the File Folders/Attachment functionality and constitutes a remote authenticated attack vector that can compromise both data integrity and system availability. The vulnerability operates through unspecified mechanisms related to how the system handles file folder and attachment operations, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers with valid credentials to manipulate core system components.
This security weakness falls under the category of software integrity and availability compromise, where authenticated users can exploit the system to modify or corrupt data within the PLM environment. The vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2016-3539, indicating that multiple attack surfaces exist within the same software component, each requiring separate mitigation strategies. The attack vector being remote and authenticated suggests that an attacker must first obtain legitimate user credentials, but once achieved, they can leverage this vulnerability to cause significant damage to the product lifecycle management system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3538 extends beyond simple data corruption as it affects both integrity and availability aspects of the system. When attackers exploit this vulnerability, they can potentially modify product data, alter file attachments, and disrupt normal system operations. This dual impact on integrity and availability makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on Oracle Agile PLM for critical product development and supply chain management processes. The compromised integrity means that product specifications, engineering drawings, and other critical documents could be altered without detection, while the availability impact could lead to system downtime and operational disruptions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle security patches and updates as issued for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential attack surface, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual file folder and attachment operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) categories, and potentially relates to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and data manipulation. Regular security assessments and user access reviews are essential to prevent unauthorized exploitation, as the vulnerability specifically targets authenticated users who already have legitimate access to the system, making detection more challenging and emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring solutions.