CVE-2018-2680 in Oracle
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java VM component of Oracle Database Server. Supported versions that are affected are 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2 and 12.2.0.1. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java VM. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java VM, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java VM. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 8.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2680 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Virtual Machine component of Oracle Database Server, affecting versions 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, and 12.2.0.1. This vulnerability operates at the core runtime environment of Oracle Database applications, where the Java VM serves as a critical execution layer for database-based Java applications and stored procedures. The flaw exists within the database server's Java execution environment, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to compromise the entire Java runtime infrastructure that supports database operations. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector is complex, the potential impact is severe enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Java VM implementation, specifically when processing certain data streams or method calls that traverse multiple network protocols. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 8.3 reflects the high severity of the potential compromise, with scores of 8.3 for confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The attack vector requires network access from an unauthenticated source, meaning that any system with the vulnerable Oracle Database server exposed to the internet or internal networks could be at risk. The attack complexity is rated as high, indicating that sophisticated exploitation techniques are required, but not impossible. The requirement for human interaction from a person other than the attacker suggests that social engineering or targeted user actions may be necessary to initiate successful exploitation, though this does not mitigate the overall risk level.
The operational impact of successful exploitation of CVE-2018-2680 can be catastrophic for organizations relying on Oracle Database systems. When an attacker successfully compromises the Java VM, they gain complete control over the Java execution environment within the database server, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, modify database contents, or disrupt database operations entirely. The vulnerability's ability to impact additional products stems from the interconnected nature of database systems, where compromise of the Java VM can lead to broader system infiltration. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a significant threat to database security architecture. The CVSS vector indicates that this vulnerability can cause significant damage to the entire system, as evidenced by the complete impact scores across all three security dimensions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Oracle's security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers, and conducting thorough network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation within database environments. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary Java functionality within Oracle Database installations when not required, and implement strict access controls for database administrative functions. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors that could leverage this vulnerability. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to maintain persistent access to database systems, potentially leading to long-term compromise of sensitive organizational information.