CVE-2017-3537 in Real-Time Scheduler
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle Real-Time Scheduler component of Oracle Utilities Applications (subcomponent: Mobile Communications Platform). Supported versions that are affected are 2.2.0.3.13, 2.3.0.0 and 2.3.0.1. Easily "exploitable" vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle Real-Time Scheduler. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Oracle Real-Time Scheduler, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Oracle Real-Time Scheduler accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Oracle Real-Time Scheduler accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 6.1 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3537 resides within Oracle Real-Time Scheduler component of Oracle Utilities Applications, specifically within the Mobile Communications Platform subcomponent. This weakness represents a significant security gap that affects multiple version releases including 2.2.0.3.13, 2.3.0.0, and 2.3.0.1, making it a widespread concern across various deployment scenarios. The vulnerability operates at the network level and requires only basic HTTP network access to be exploited, making it particularly dangerous as it can be targeted by remote attackers without requiring any authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests as an insufficient authorization mechanism within the mobile communications platform that allows unauthorized access to critical system functions. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 category of Improper Access Control, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions for sensitive operations. The attack vector is classified as network-based with low access complexity, meaning that an attacker can exploit this weakness remotely without requiring physical access or special privileges. The CVSS score of 6.1 indicates a moderate severity level, though the potential impact on system integrity and confidentiality remains significant.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate scope of Oracle Real-Time Scheduler, as successful exploitation can compromise additional products within the Oracle Utilities ecosystem. This cascading effect demonstrates the interconnected nature of enterprise applications and highlights the importance of comprehensive security assessments. Attackers can achieve unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against sensitive data within the scheduler system, while also gaining read access to restricted information. The requirement for human interaction suggests that social engineering or user manipulation may be necessary to complete the attack chain, though the initial exploitation remains largely automated.
The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable means that attackers can leverage readily available tools and techniques to compromise systems without requiring advanced technical skills or extensive reconnaissance. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking quick gains. Organizations should note that the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N) indicates that while the attack requires user interaction, the overall risk remains substantial due to the potential for confidentiality and integrity impacts. The fact that this vulnerability affects a mobile communications platform also raises concerns about data transmission security and potential interception of sensitive operational communications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring of HTTP traffic to detect anomalous access patterns. Additionally, organizations should implement proper access controls and user authentication mechanisms to reduce the risk of exploitation.