CVE-2018-3259 in Database Server
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, 12.2.0.1 and 18c. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java VM. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java VM. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 9.8 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3259 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Virtual Machine component of Oracle Database Server versions 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1, and 18c. This weakness resides in the Java VM execution environment that processes Java-based applications and stored procedures within the database context. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database servers are accessible over networks. The CVSS 3.0 score of 9.8 reflects the high severity across all impact vectors including confidentiality, integrity, and availability, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the potential damage. The attack vector AV:N indicates network-based exploitation is possible, while the low access complexity AC:L and lack of required privileges PR:N mean that even unauthenticated attackers can potentially compromise the system.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the Java VM implementation that handles database stored procedures and Java-based applications. When the database processes certain Java code or handles specific input parameters, the vulnerable Java VM component fails to properly validate or sanitize the data, creating opportunities for memory corruption or code execution. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that can be executed within the Java VM context, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited through multiple network protocols, including TCP/IP connections to database ports, making it accessible from various attack vectors. The underlying issue typically involves improper handling of Java class loading or method invocation sequences that can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database service account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of the Java VM execution environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to database resources, potentially leading to data theft, modification, or destruction. The compromised Java VM can serve as a launching point for further attacks within the database infrastructure, allowing threat actors to escalate privileges or move laterally through network segments. Additionally, since the Java VM typically runs with elevated privileges to perform database operations, successful exploitation can provide attackers with direct access to underlying database systems, potentially enabling them to bypass traditional database security controls. The availability impact is particularly severe as attackers can potentially cause system crashes or resource exhaustion, leading to denial of service conditions that can disrupt business operations.
Organizations affected by CVE-2018-3259 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Oracle Database Server versions, as Oracle released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to database ports, limiting exposure to unauthorized network access. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced for database accounts, ensuring that Java VM execution runs with minimal required permissions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual Java VM activity or unexpected code execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify additional weaknesses in database configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which describes weaknesses in memory management and improper input validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Java-based execution. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions and establishing incident response procedures specifically for Java VM compromise scenarios to ensure rapid detection and remediation of exploitation attempts.