CVE-2016-5499 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the RDBMS Security component in Oracle Database Server 11.2.0.4 and 12.1.0.2 allows local users to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-5498.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5499 represents a security weakness within Oracle Database Server's RDBMS Security component that affects versions 11.2.0.4 and 12.1.0.2. This issue specifically targets local users who can potentially compromise the confidentiality of data within the database system. The vulnerability operates through unspecified attack vectors that distinguish it from CVE-2016-5498, indicating that while both vulnerabilities affect the same database component, they exploit different aspects of the security architecture. The classification as a local privilege escalation vulnerability suggests that an attacker with access to the database server environment can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that should remain protected.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws within database security mechanisms. According to CWE classification standards, this vulnerability could be categorized as CWE-200 Information Exposure, where sensitive data is exposed to unauthorized parties. The RDBMS Security component in Oracle Database Server is responsible for implementing access controls, authentication mechanisms, and data protection features that ensure only authorized users can access specific database resources. When this component fails to properly enforce these security controls, it creates opportunities for local users to bypass normal access restrictions and extract confidential information.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Oracle Database Server for critical data storage and processing. Local users who can exploit this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive data without proper authorization, leading to data breaches that may compromise intellectual property, customer information, financial records, or other confidential business data. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects users who already have access to the database server, meaning that the vulnerability could be exploited by malicious insiders or compromised accounts with local access. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have local access to database servers, as it could allow for widespread data exposure across different user accounts and database schemas.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5499 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. Organizations must apply the relevant Oracle database patches that address this specific vulnerability, which typically involves updating to versions that contain security fixes for the RDBMS Security component. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege management should be prioritized, ensuring that local user accounts have the minimum necessary privileges to perform their required functions. Network segmentation and monitoring of local access activities can help detect unauthorized access attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, indicating that attackers might leverage legitimate local accounts to exploit the security weakness. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the database environment, while implementing comprehensive logging and audit trails can help track any potential exploitation attempts.