CVE-2017-3567 in Oracle
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the OJVM component of Oracle Database Server. Supported versions that are affected are 11.2.0.4 and 12.1.0.2. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low privileged attacker having Create Session, Create Procedure privilege with network access via multiple protocols to compromise OJVM. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of OJVM. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3567 resides within the Oracle Java Virtual Machine (OJVM) component of Oracle Database Server, representing a significant security weakness that affects specifically version 11.2.0.4 and 12.1.0.2. This flaw operates within the database's Java execution environment where Java-based applications and stored procedures are processed, creating a potential attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise system availability. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack requires some specialized knowledge and specific privileges, it remains a genuine threat to database environments that utilize the affected OJVM versions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain Java objects within the OJVM execution context, allowing an attacker with minimal database privileges to trigger a condition that results in system instability. Specifically, an attacker possessing Create Session and Create Procedure privileges can leverage network access through multiple protocols to execute malicious code that causes the OJVM to enter a state where it either hangs indefinitely or experiences repeated crashes, effectively rendering the Java execution environment unavailable. This behavior aligns with CWE-121, which addresses buffer overflow conditions, and represents a form of denial of service that can severely impact database operations. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.0 score of 5.3 reflects its availability impact, indicating that successful exploitation can completely disable the OJVM functionality through a sustained denial of service attack.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3567 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire database environment's reliability and performance. When the OJVM experiences frequent crashes or hangs, database applications that depend on Java-based stored procedures or Java execution contexts become unavailable, leading to cascading failures throughout the enterprise infrastructure. This vulnerability can be particularly damaging in production environments where database availability is critical for business operations, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to systematically degrade service quality and potentially cause extended outages. The attack vector through multiple protocols suggests that the vulnerability could be exploited from various network positions, increasing the attack surface and making detection and mitigation more challenging.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle database patches, which address the underlying OJVM flaw through code modifications that prevent the exploitation conditions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the ability of unauthorized users to obtain the required Create Session and Create Procedure privileges. Database administrators should also implement monitoring solutions specifically designed to detect unusual patterns in OJVM activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, utilizing security information and event management systems to track privilege usage and potential denial of service conditions. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly reviewing user permissions can significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation, as the vulnerability requires specific database privileges to be effective. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the "Execution" and "Denial of Service" tactics, highlighting the importance of both preventing unauthorized code execution and maintaining system availability as core defensive measures.