CVE-2016-5473 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 confidentiality via vectors related to File Folders / Attachment, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3537.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5473 resides within Oracle Agile PLM component of the Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite version 9.3.4 and 9.3.5, representing a significant security weakness that impacts the confidentiality of sensitive data. This vulnerability specifically affects the File Folders and Attachment functionality within the system, creating potential exposure for organizations relying on this platform for product lifecycle management. The issue manifests as an unspecified flaw that allows remote authenticated users to compromise confidentiality, distinguishing it from other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2016-3537 which addresses different attack vectors. The vulnerability's classification under the broader category of information disclosure weaknesses aligns with CWE-200, which encompasses issues where sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized parties. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that it operates over remote network connections, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the system to exploit the flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability appears to stem from inadequate access controls or improper validation mechanisms within the File Folders and Attachment subsystem of Oracle Agile PLM. While the exact technical details remain unspecified in the CVE description, the nature of the flaw suggests that authenticated users may be able to access files or folders they should not have permission to view, potentially including proprietary product designs, manufacturing specifications, or other confidential business data. This type of vulnerability typically arises from insufficient input validation, improper privilege checking, or flawed authorization mechanisms that allow users to traverse file system boundaries or access restricted content through manipulated requests. The fact that this affects the attachment handling functionality indicates that the vulnerability may be exploitable through file upload or download operations, where malicious users could potentially access documents belonging to other users or system resources they shouldn't be able to access. The attack vector requires authentication, which means that the threat actor must first establish valid credentials, but once authenticated, they can leverage this vulnerability to access confidential information.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5473 extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially affecting intellectual property protection, competitive advantages, and regulatory compliance for organizations using Oracle Agile PLM. Companies that rely on this platform for managing sensitive product development information face substantial risk of exposure to competitors or malicious actors who can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to confidential business data. The vulnerability's presence in versions 9.3.4 and 9.3.5 indicates that it affects a specific release line that may have been in production for some time, meaning organizations could have been exposed to this risk for extended periods without detection. The confidentiality breach could lead to significant financial losses, intellectual property theft, and damage to competitive positioning. Organizations may also face regulatory compliance issues depending on their industry, particularly if the exposed data includes personally identifiable information or other regulated content. The vulnerability's relationship to the broader ATT&CK framework can be mapped to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, where an authenticated user leverages system weaknesses to access restricted information. This vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as access to confidential files might reveal additional system information or provide access to other vulnerable components within the supply chain management environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle security patches and updates that address this vulnerability, as well as implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts. System administrators should review and tighten file access controls, particularly for sensitive folders and attachment handling functionality, ensuring that proper authorization checks are in place. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around file access operations. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite environment. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that users have access only to the files and folders necessary for their specific roles within the organization. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing data loss prevention solutions that can monitor for unauthorized access to sensitive files and provide alerts when potential exploitation attempts occur. The vulnerability's classification as a confidentiality issue emphasizes the importance of maintaining robust data protection measures and ensuring that all users understand the importance of protecting their authentication credentials, as the attack requires valid authentication to be effective.