CVE-2016-5505 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the RDBMS Programmable Interface component in Oracle Database Server 11.2.0.4 and 12.1.0.2 allows local users to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5505 resides within the RDBMS Programmable Interface component of Oracle Database Server versions 11.2.0.4 and 12.1.0.2, representing a significant security weakness that affects the confidentiality of database operations. This unspecified vulnerability specifically targets local users who possess access to the database environment, creating potential risks for data exposure and unauthorized information disclosure. The RDBMS Programmable Interface serves as a critical interface for database programmability and automation, making this flaw particularly concerning for database administrators and security professionals responsible for protecting enterprise data assets.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and validation mechanisms within the programmable interface component, allowing local attackers to exploit unknown vectors that could compromise sensitive data confidentiality. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability may involve multiple pathways of exploitation, potentially including privilege escalation, data leakage through interface functions, or manipulation of database programmable objects. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of information disclosure weaknesses that can be classified as CWE-200 - Information Exposure, where sensitive information is accessible to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates at the database level, potentially allowing attackers to access or manipulate data that should remain protected within the database environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5505 extends beyond simple data exposure, as local users with malicious intent could potentially access confidential database information, manipulate stored procedures, or exploit the programmable interface to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. This vulnerability directly affects the principle of least privilege and data confidentiality, which are fundamental to database security frameworks. Organizations running affected Oracle Database versions face increased risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties. The local user access requirement means that attackers typically need to have some level of system access or credentials, but once inside the database environment, they can leverage this vulnerability to compromise data confidentiality. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004 - Indicator Removal on Host, where attackers might attempt to cover their tracks while accessing sensitive data through database interface components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5505 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Oracle Database versions to the latest security updates provided by Oracle Corporation. Organizations must implement strict access controls and privilege management policies to limit local user access to database environments, particularly for users who do not require direct access to the programmable interface. Regular security assessments of database configurations, including review of programmable interface permissions and access logs, should be conducted to identify potential unauthorized access attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing comprehensive database auditing and logging mechanisms will help organizations track and respond to potential exploitation attempts while maintaining compliance with industry standards such as pci dss and iso 27001. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and following Oracle's security bulletins to prevent similar issues from affecting database environments.