CVE-2021-2328 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2021
Vulnerability in the Oracle Text component of Oracle Database Server. Supported versions that are affected are 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1 and 19c. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows high privileged attacker having Create Any Procedure, Alter Any Table privilege with network access via Oracle Net to compromise Oracle Text. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Oracle Text. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 7.2 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-2328 resides within Oracle Text component of Oracle Database Server, representing a critical security flaw that affects multiple supported versions including 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1, and 19c. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of database security and network accessibility, creating a significant risk for organizations utilizing Oracle Database environments. The flaw specifically targets the Oracle Text functionality which provides text search and indexing capabilities within the database system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise database integrity and availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient privilege validation mechanisms within the Oracle Text component, allowing attackers with specific high-privilege credentials to exploit the system through Oracle Net protocol connections. The vulnerability requires an attacker to possess Create Any Procedure and Alter Any Table privileges, which are typically associated with administrative or highly trusted database users. However, the combination of these elevated privileges with network access via Oracle Net creates a pathway for exploitation that can be leveraged to gain complete control over the Oracle Text functionality. This flaw operates under CWE-284 Access Control, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms within database components.
The operational impact of successful exploitation can be devastating for database environments, potentially leading to complete takeover of Oracle Text functionality and subsequent compromise of underlying database systems. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 7.2 indicates a high-severity vulnerability that affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously, meaning attackers could potentially exfiltrate sensitive data, corrupt database contents, or render database services unavailable. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation makes it particularly dangerous as it requires relatively modest privilege levels compared to other database vulnerabilities, and the network accessibility via Oracle Net protocol means attackers can potentially exploit it from remote locations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate administrative credentials to gain unauthorized access to database functionalities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including patching affected Oracle Database versions to the latest security releases provided by Oracle, which typically include specific fixes for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit Oracle Net protocol access to only trusted administrative networks and systems. Regular privilege reviews should be conducted to ensure that Create Any Procedure and Alter Any Table permissions are strictly limited to essential administrative users. Monitoring for suspicious database activities, particularly around text indexing and search operations, should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can identify anomalous patterns in database access that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability, as the compromise of Oracle Text functionality could serve as a stepping stone for broader database system infiltration.