CVE-2018-2765 in Security Service
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle Security Service component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Oracle SSL API). Supported versions that are affected are 11.1.1.9.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.2.0 and 12.2.1.3.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTPS to compromise Oracle Security Service. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Oracle Security Service accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.5 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2765 resides within Oracle Security Service component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, specifically within the Oracle SSL API subcomponent. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that affects multiple version lines including 11.1.1.9.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.2.0, and 12.2.1.3.0 of the Fusion Middleware suite. The vulnerability classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage this weakness without requiring extensive technical expertise or privileged access. The CVSS base score of 7.5 reflects the substantial confidentiality impact, with a vector assessment showing network-based attack complexity, no privilege requirements, and no user interaction needed for successful exploitation. This vulnerability specifically targets the SSL/TLS implementation within Oracle's security infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on secure communications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses within the Oracle SSL API implementation that allows unauthenticated attackers to compromise the Oracle Security Service component. The flaw enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical data or achieve complete access to all data accessible through the Oracle Security Service. This represents a severe confidentiality breach that could expose sensitive information processed through the affected Oracle Fusion Middleware installations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate or exfiltrate sensitive security-related information that could compromise the entire security posture of affected organizations. The affected Oracle Fusion Middleware versions all share this common vulnerability in their SSL implementation, making it a widespread concern across various deployment scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a critical risk to organizations utilizing Oracle Fusion Middleware solutions, particularly those handling sensitive data through HTTPS connections. The ease of exploitation means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring authentication credentials or privileged access, making it especially dangerous in environments where network exposure is inevitable. Successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to security-critical systems, and potential compromise of the entire Oracle Security Service infrastructure. Organizations may face significant regulatory and compliance implications if this vulnerability results in unauthorized data access, particularly in industries governed by strict data protection regulations such as healthcare, financial services, or government sectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2765 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Oracle to address the SSL API vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of affected systems and consider disabling unnecessary HTTPS services until patches are applied. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, including unusual access patterns or connection attempts to the Oracle Security Service components. Network access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure that only authorized systems can communicate with the affected Oracle Fusion Middleware installations. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected Oracle Fusion Middleware versions and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing this vulnerability type. The mitigation approach should align with industry standards including CWE-310 for cryptographic weaknesses and ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and defense evasion. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in the future.