CVE-2023-21847 in Web Applications Desktop Integrator
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2023
Vulnerability in the Oracle Web Applications Desktop Integrator product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Download). Supported versions that are affected are 12.2.3-12.2.12. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle Web Applications Desktop Integrator. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Oracle Web Applications Desktop Integrator, attacks may significantly impact additional products (scope change). Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Oracle Web Applications Desktop Integrator accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Oracle Web Applications Desktop Integrator accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 5.4 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21847 resides within Oracle Web Applications Desktop Integrator, a component of the Oracle E-Business Suite ecosystem. This particular flaw manifests in the download functionality of the desktop integrator module, affecting versions 12.2.3 through 12.2.12. The vulnerability classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage this weakness with minimal technical sophistication, particularly targeting low-privileged users who have network access through HTTP protocols. The security implications extend beyond the immediate component since successful exploitation can trigger cascading effects impacting additional Oracle products within the broader suite, representing a scope change that amplifies the potential damage surface.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability involves a combination of network-based attack vectors and human interaction requirements that significantly shape its exploitation landscape. Attackers can compromise the system through HTTP network access, requiring minimal privileges to initiate the attack, yet the successful execution necessitates some form of human intervention from individuals who are not the primary attackers. This human interaction element suggests that social engineering or user manipulation techniques may be employed as part of the attack methodology, potentially through phishing campaigns or deceptive download prompts. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.4 reflects moderate severity, with confidentiality and integrity impacts rated as low, though the scope change component elevates the overall risk profile considerably.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21847 presents substantial risks to data integrity and confidentiality within the targeted Oracle environment. Successful exploitation enables unauthorized modification of data through update, insert, and delete operations against accessible database elements within the desktop integrator framework. Additionally, attackers can gain read access to sensitive data subsets that are normally protected within the system's access controls. These capabilities directly align with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represent a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all enterprise applications. The scope change aspect of this vulnerability means that compromise of one component can potentially affect multiple interconnected Oracle products, creating a broader attack surface that extends beyond the immediate target.
From a mitigation standpoint, organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Oracle E-Business Suite installations to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the desktop integrator component to unauthorized users. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar access control weaknesses within the broader Oracle suite to identify potential additional vulnerabilities. The attack surface reduction techniques recommended by the ATT&CK framework, particularly those focusing on network boundaries and credential access controls, should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive Oracle components. Organizations should also establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous download activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive audit trails to track all access and modification activities within the affected systems.