CVE-2018-2875 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Core RDBMS component of Oracle Database Server. Supported versions that are affected are 12.2.0.1, 18c and 19c. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker having Create Session privilege with network access via OracleNet to compromise Core RDBMS. While the vulnerability is in Core RDBMS, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of Core RDBMS accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 5.0 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2875 resides within Oracle Database Server's Core RDBMS component, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple supported versions including 12.2.0.1, 18c, and 19c. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability's exploitability is characterized as easily accessible, requiring only a low-privileged attacker who possesses the Create Session privilege to execute successful attacks. The attack vector leverages OracleNet network access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be initiated from external network positions without requiring elevated privileges or direct system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the Core RDBMS subsystem, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries when they have established network connectivity to the database server. The attack requires minimal prerequisites since the Create Session privilege is commonly granted to database users for basic connectivity purposes, yet this privilege combined with network access creates an exploitable condition. The vulnerability's impact is categorized as confidentiality-related, specifically enabling unauthorized read access to a subset of data within the Core RDBMS, which aligns with CVSS 3.0 scoring methodology that assigns a base score of 5.0 reflecting the moderate severity level.
Operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond the immediate Core RDBMS component, as noted in the CVSS vector's scope change indicator S:C, suggesting that successful exploitation could potentially affect additional Oracle products within the ecosystem. The attack's low complexity and lack of user interaction requirements make it particularly concerning for database administrators and security teams responsible for protecting enterprise data assets. Organizations running affected Oracle Database versions face the risk of data exposure, where attackers could access sensitive information that should remain protected by proper access controls. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it can be exploited by attackers who have already established legitimate database connection privileges, making detection more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2875 should prioritize immediate patch application from Oracle's security updates, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict OracleNet access to only authorized systems and users, while implementing the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of users possessing Create Session privileges. Database administrators should conduct comprehensive access control reviews to identify and eliminate unnecessary privileges, particularly focusing on network-level access permissions. Monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unusual database connection patterns or unauthorized data access attempts, as recommended by ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol usage. Additionally, implementing Oracle's Database Vault or similar database security solutions can provide additional protection layers against unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses that may exist within the broader Oracle database environment.