CVE-2019-2516 in Oracle
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Portable Clusterware 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 high privileged attacker having Grid Infrastructure User privilege with logon to the infrastructure where Portable Clusterware executes to compromise Portable Clusterware. While the vulnerability is in Portable Clusterware, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Portable Clusterware. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 8.2 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2516 resides within Oracle Database Server's Portable Clusterware component, representing a critical security weakness that affects multiple version branches including 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1, and 18c. This flaw operates within the Grid Infrastructure context where Portable Clusterware executes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the entire cluster management system. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal effort can leverage existing privileges to gain control over the clusterware infrastructure. The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.2 reflects the severity of impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, with a low attack complexity and high privileges required for exploitation, suggesting that insider threats or attackers who have already gained access to the Grid Infrastructure environment pose the primary risk.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient privilege controls and potential code execution flaws within the Portable Clusterware subsystem, which operates as a critical component for managing distributed database environments. When an attacker with Grid Infrastructure User privileges successfully exploits this weakness, they can potentially execute arbitrary code within the Portable Clusterware context, leading to complete compromise of the cluster management infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates characteristics aligned with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and may also exhibit traits of CWE-78, concerning OS command injection, depending on the specific implementation details. The attack vector requires local access to the infrastructure where Portable Clusterware operates, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical or network access controls may be insufficient.
The operational impact of successful exploitation extends far beyond the immediate Portable Clusterware component, as clusterware failures can cascade into broader system disruptions affecting database availability and data integrity. A compromised Portable Clusterware can result in unauthorized cluster management operations, potential data loss, system downtime, and complete takeover of cluster resources. The CVSS vector indicates that this vulnerability can cause significant damage to the entire system architecture, potentially affecting multiple Oracle Database instances and related services that depend on the cluster infrastructure. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and data breach consequences if this vulnerability is exploited, particularly in environments where database clustering is essential for business continuity and disaster recovery operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Oracle Database versions, implementing strict access controls for Grid Infrastructure User privileges, and establishing monitoring procedures for anomalous clusterware activities. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their cluster infrastructure to identify potential attack vectors and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the Grid Infrastructure environment. Network segmentation and privilege escalation controls become critical defensive measures, as the vulnerability requires existing access to the infrastructure to be exploited. The remediation process should include applying Oracle's official security patches, reviewing and restricting Grid Infrastructure User permissions, and implementing continuous monitoring for unauthorized cluster management activities. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly auditing access controls to prevent unauthorized exploitation of this vulnerability that could lead to complete system compromise.