CVE-2020-14735 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2020
Vulnerability in the Scheduler component of Oracle Database Server. Supported versions that are affected are 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1, 18c and 19c. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker having Local Logon privilege with logon to the infrastructure where Scheduler executes to compromise Scheduler. While the vulnerability is in Scheduler, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Scheduler. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 8.8 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14735 resides within Oracle Database Server's Scheduler component, representing a critical security flaw that affects multiple supported versions including 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1, 18c, and 19c. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers with minimal privileges to escalate their access within the database environment. The CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high severity vulnerability that could result in significant compromise of the database infrastructure.
The technical flaw exploits the Scheduler component's insufficient privilege controls, enabling attackers with local logon privileges to compromise the Scheduler functionality. This vulnerability operates at the system level where the Scheduler executes, allowing unauthorized users to potentially take complete control of the scheduling mechanisms that govern automated database operations. The attack vector requires only local access to the infrastructure where Scheduler runs, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical or network access might be compromised. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Scheduler component as it can potentially affect other interconnected database products and services that rely on the Scheduler for automated tasks and maintenance operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as successful exploitation can lead to complete takeover of the Scheduler component, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, modify scheduled jobs, or disrupt critical database maintenance operations. This compromise can result in data integrity violations, availability disruptions, and confidentiality breaches that may affect the entire database ecosystem. The CVSS vector analysis shows the vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously, indicating that attackers could simultaneously read sensitive data, modify database operations, and disrupt service availability. The scope of impact is further amplified by the fact that the Scheduler component often manages critical automated processes including backup operations, performance monitoring, and database maintenance tasks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle patches and updates to address this vulnerability, restricting local access to database infrastructure, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive assessments of all database environments to identify systems running affected versions and ensure proper access controls are implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database security patches and implementing principle of least privilege access controls. Additionally, monitoring for unusual Scheduler activity and automated job execution should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence through legitimate system tools, making it essential for security operations centers to monitor for these specific attack patterns in their database environments.