CVE-2021-35599 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2021
Vulnerability in the Zero Downtime DB Migration to Cloud component of Oracle Database Server. The supported version that is affected is 21c. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows high privileged attacker having Local Logon privilege with logon to the infrastructure where Zero Downtime DB Migration to Cloud executes to compromise Zero Downtime DB Migration to Cloud. While the vulnerability is in Zero Downtime DB Migration to Cloud, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Zero Downtime DB Migration to Cloud. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 8.2 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-35599 resides within Oracle Database Server's Zero Downtime DB Migration to Cloud component, specifically affecting version 21c. This represents a critical security weakness that demonstrates how migration tools can become attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries. The flaw operates within the context of database infrastructure where the migration process executes, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to compromise the entire migration framework. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical barriers can leverage this weakness, particularly when they already possess local logon privileges to the target infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and privilege management within the Zero Downtime DB Migration to Cloud execution environment. When an attacker with high privileged local access attempts to log into the infrastructure where this component operates, they can potentially execute malicious code or manipulate the migration process to gain unauthorized control. This flaw directly impacts the component's ability to maintain secure operations during database migration activities, which typically involve sensitive data handling and system configuration changes. The vulnerability's CVSS score of 8.2 reflects the severity of potential impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate Zero Downtime DB Migration to Cloud component, potentially affecting multiple downstream systems and applications that depend on the migration process. When an attacker successfully compromises this tool, they can manipulate database migration workflows, potentially causing data corruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or complete system outages during critical migration windows. The security implications are particularly severe because database migration activities often occur during maintenance windows when system monitoring may be reduced, providing attackers with increased opportunities for undetected exploitation. This vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on automated database migration processes, as it can undermine the security posture of their entire database infrastructure.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, starting with immediate patching of affected Oracle Database Server 21c installations. Access controls should be strengthened through mandatory least privilege principles, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the migration infrastructure. Network segmentation and monitoring of migration processes can help detect anomalous activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK framework category T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing). Regular security assessments and privileged access management reviews should be conducted to prevent unauthorized access to migration environments, while implementing robust logging and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy must also include comprehensive testing of patched environments to ensure that security improvements do not introduce regressions in migration functionality.