CVE-2018-3110 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability was discovered in the Java VM component of Oracle Database Server. Supported versions that are affected are 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1 and 18. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker having Create Session privilege with network access via Oracle Net to compromise Java VM. 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 9.9 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3110 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Virtual Machine component of Oracle Database Server, affecting multiple supported versions including 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1, and 18. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-248, specifically addressing an "Uncaught Exception" weakness that occurs when the Java Virtual Machine fails to properly handle exceptions during execution. The flaw manifests through the Oracle Net protocol which serves as the network communication layer for database connections, making it accessible to attackers who possess minimal privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to hold the Create Session privilege within the database environment, a relatively low-privileged status that many legitimate users might possess. However, the vulnerability's exploitation pathway through Oracle Net protocol creates a significant attack surface since network access is sufficient for initial compromise. The Java Virtual Machine component processes Java-based database objects and stored procedures, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 9.9 reflects the severe impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H indicating network-based exploitation with low attack complexity, low privilege requirements, and catastrophic scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple database compromise as the Java Virtual Machine serves as a critical execution environment for numerous database functionalities including custom applications, stored procedures, and database triggers. When successfully exploited, attackers can achieve complete takeover of the Java Virtual Machine, potentially gaining access to underlying database resources, data manipulation capabilities, and system-level operations. This compromise can lead to data exfiltration, unauthorized data modification, and complete service disruption across the affected database environment. The cascading effects of such an attack can impact additional Oracle products that rely on the compromised Java Virtual Machine, creating a broader security incident that extends beyond the initial database compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3110 should focus on immediate patch application from Oracle's security updates, which address the underlying exception handling flaw in the Java Virtual Machine component. Network-level protections including firewall rules restricting Oracle Net protocol access and implementing network segmentation can reduce attack surface exposure. Database administrators should implement principle of least privilege, ensuring that users possess only necessary privileges and that Create Session privileges are carefully monitored. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary Java functionality within the database, implementing robust database monitoring for suspicious Java execution patterns, and maintaining comprehensive audit logs for detection of unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify Oracle Net protocol anomalies that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique highlights the need for comprehensive access control measures and regular security assessments to prevent unauthorized users from obtaining the minimal privileges required for exploitation.