CVE-2020-2518 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, 12.1.0.11,29,212.2.0.1, 18c and 19c. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low privileged attacker having Create Session privilege 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 7.5 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2518 resides within the Java Virtual Machine component of Oracle Database Server, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple supported versions including 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.11, 12.1.0.29, 12.1.0.21, 12.2.0.1, 18c, and 19c. This flaw operates at the Java VM layer, which serves as the critical execution environment for Java-based applications and stored procedures within the database ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions and circumstances to be successfully leveraged, the potential impact when achieved is severe enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows an attacker with minimal privileges to potentially compromise the Java VM environment through network-based attacks. Specifically, an attacker possessing only the Create Session privilege can initiate exploitation attempts, which is particularly concerning as this privilege is often granted to standard database users for basic connectivity purposes. The vulnerability can be triggered via multiple network protocols, making it more accessible and increasing the attack surface. The CVSS 3.0 score of 7.5 reflects the high severity impact across all three core security properties, indicating that successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the Java VM environment, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code and gain full control over the database's Java execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security boundaries established within the database environment. When an attacker successfully compromises the Java VM, they gain the ability to execute malicious code within the database's Java execution context, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system manipulation, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The availability impact is particularly significant as database operations relying on Java components could become disrupted or entirely unavailable. The confidentiality and integrity impacts compound this threat, as attackers could access sensitive data, modify database contents, or manipulate the Java execution environment to maintain persistent access. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and represents a classic example of how insufficient validation of Java bytecode execution can lead to complete system compromise, as documented in various ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code execution within database environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle database patches, restricting network access to database servers, and implementing network segmentation to limit the attack surface. The principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, ensuring that database users possess only the minimum necessary privileges to perform their legitimate functions. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious network activity and database access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Database administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary Java components within the database environment when they are not actively required for business operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of allowing privileged database users to establish network connections that could be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all systems running affected Oracle Database versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure and business criticality.