CVE-2021-2334 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2021
Vulnerability in the Oracle Database - Enterprise Edition Data Redaction 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 low privileged attacker having Create Session privilege with network access via Oracle Net to compromise Oracle Database - Enterprise Edition Data Redaction. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Oracle Database - Enterprise Edition Data Redaction accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 3.5 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-2334 resides within the Oracle Database Enterprise Edition Data Redaction component, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple database versions including 12.1.0.2, 12.2.0.1, and 19c. This flaw operates within the broader Oracle Database Server ecosystem and specifically targets the data redaction functionality designed to mask sensitive information within database queries and results. The vulnerability classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage relatively simple attack vectors to compromise the system, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on Oracle database environments for critical data operations. The CVSS score of 3.5 with integrity impacts reflects the potential for unauthorized modifications to database content while maintaining a relatively low severity rating compared to more critical vulnerabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the Data Redaction component, allowing attackers with minimal privileges to potentially manipulate database records through carefully crafted network requests. The attack requires an attacker to possess Create Session privilege, which is a common database access level that enables users to establish connections to the database system. The exploitation pathway involves network access via Oracle Net protocol, which represents the standard communication mechanism used by Oracle databases for client-server interactions. The requirement for human interaction beyond the initial attack vector suggests that while the technical exploitation is straightforward, social engineering or user-based compromise may be necessary to complete the attack chain, potentially involving legitimate users who inadvertently assist in the exploitation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns, as it enables unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against specific database records that should normally be protected by the data redaction mechanisms. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the database's security model where sensitive data protection features can be bypassed by attackers with relatively low privileges. Organizations utilizing Oracle Database Enterprise Edition with Data Redaction enabled face potential exposure to data manipulation attacks that could compromise the integrity of their sensitive information systems. The vulnerability's impact on database integrity means that even seemingly minor unauthorized changes could have cascading effects throughout the organization's data ecosystem, potentially affecting audit trails, compliance requirements, and overall data quality standards. The CVSS vector indicates that while the attack requires low complexity and low privilege levels, the human interaction component adds an element of unpredictability to the threat landscape.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-2334 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Oracle Database versions to address the underlying access control flaws within the Data Redaction component. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit Oracle Net access to trusted sources only, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Database administrators should conduct thorough privilege reviews to ensure that users with Create Session privileges have legitimate business requirements for such access levels. The implementation of additional monitoring controls around Data Redaction component usage can help detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling Data Redaction features temporarily if they are not critical to business operations while permanent fixes are implemented, following the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage from similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering, highlighting the multi-layered nature of the threat landscape. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized data modification attempts and provide alerts when suspicious patterns emerge in database operations.