CVE-2018-2653 in PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Connected Query). Supported versions that are affected are 8.54, 8.55 and 8.56. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 5.3 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2653 resides within Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools, specifically in the Connected Query subcomponent of PeopleSoft Products. This security flaw affects versions 8.54, 8.55, and 8.56, representing a significant concern for organizations utilizing these enterprise applications. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and manifests through the PeopleTools component, which serves as a foundational framework for PeopleSoft applications. The affected system architecture includes the Connected Query functionality that enables users to perform database queries against PeopleSoft data sources. This particular vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the authentication and access control mechanisms of the PeopleTools platform, creating an entry point for malicious actors to exploit without requiring any prior authorization or credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control measures within the Connected Query functionality. Attackers can leverage HTTP network access to directly interact with the vulnerable PeopleTools component, bypassing traditional authentication requirements. The flaw enables unauthenticated access to a subset of PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools accessible data, allowing unauthorized read operations against sensitive information. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a weakness related to insufficient validation of data received from external sources, specifically in the context of query execution and data access controls. The attack vector requires only network connectivity and does not demand specialized tools or extensive knowledge of the underlying system architecture, making it particularly dangerous due to its ease of exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2653 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates potential for significant confidentiality breaches within enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing affected PeopleSoft versions face risks of unauthorized access to sensitive business data, employee information, financial records, and other proprietary information stored within the PeopleTools framework. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 5.3 reflects the moderate severity of the confidentiality impact, while the vector analysis indicates low attack complexity and no requirement for user interaction or privilege escalation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1068 for local privilege escalation through application weaknesses. The compromise affects the integrity of the system's access controls and can potentially lead to further exploitation paths if combined with other vulnerabilities or if the exposed data contains authentication tokens or system configuration information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Oracle's security patches and updates to address the vulnerability in affected PeopleSoft versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the PeopleTools component to unauthorized network access. The implementation of web application firewalls and monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their PeopleSoft installations to identify any additional vulnerabilities and ensure proper access controls are in place. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to maintain awareness of potential threats. The mitigation strategy should also include network-level restrictions to limit HTTP access to the affected components and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities targeting the Connected Query functionality. Proper configuration management and regular security updates remain essential practices to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.