CVE-2020-14740 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2020
Vulnerability in the SQL Developer Install 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 low privileged attacker having Client Computer User Account privilege with logon to the infrastructure where SQL Developer Install executes to compromise SQL Developer Install. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of SQL Developer Install accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 2.8 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14740 resides within Oracle Database Server's SQL Developer Install component, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple version branches including 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1, and 18c. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, making it particularly concerning for database environments where data confidentiality is paramount. The flaw manifests as an easily exploitable security gap that targets low privileged users who already possess a client computer user account with logon access to the infrastructure where SQL Developer Install operates, demonstrating how internal access can be leveraged for unauthorized data exposure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the SQL Developer Install functionality, allowing attackers with minimal privileges to potentially access sensitive data within the installation environment. The CVSS 3.1 scoring system assigns this vulnerability a base score of 2.8, reflecting the low attack complexity and the specific confidentiality impact it creates. The attack vector AV:L indicates local access requirements, meaning the attacker must already have some level of access to the target system. The low privilege requirement PR:L suggests that the vulnerability can be exploited by users with basic account permissions, while the UI:R component indicates that human interaction is necessary for successful exploitation, typically involving some form of user engagement or specific operational conditions. The scope of impact S:U indicates that the vulnerability affects only the SQL Developer Install component without expanding to other system areas.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive database installation data that could include configuration details, installation artifacts, or other information that might aid in further exploitation attempts. This type of information disclosure vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the exposed data includes credentials, connection strings, or installation-specific parameters. The low confidentiality impact rating of C:L suggests that while the vulnerability does allow for unauthorized read access, it typically affects only a subset of accessible data rather than comprehensive system information. Organizations implementing Oracle Database Server solutions must recognize that this vulnerability could be exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors to establish more persistent access or to gather intelligence for broader attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-14740 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Oracle Database Server installations to address the underlying access control flaw. System administrators should implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit the number of users with local access to SQL Developer Install environments. Network segmentation and monitoring of local system access can help detect unauthorized activities related to this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing comprehensive threat detection strategies. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar access control weaknesses in database installation components to prevent exploitation of related vulnerabilities that could compound the security risk.