CVE-2023-21994 in Mobile Security Suite
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2023
Vulnerability in the Oracle Mobile Security Suite product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Android Mobile Authenticator App). Supported versions that are affected are Prior to 11.1.2.3.1. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with access to the physical communication segment attached to the hardware where the Oracle Mobile Security Suite executes to compromise Oracle Mobile Security Suite. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Oracle Mobile Security Suite accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 6.5 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21994 resides within Oracle Mobile Security Suite's Android Mobile Authenticator App component, representing a significant security weakness in Oracle Fusion Middleware's mobile security infrastructure. This flaw affects versions prior to 11.1.2.3.1 and demonstrates a critical design oversight that exposes organizations to substantial risk when mobile authentication systems are deployed in environments where physical network access can be gained by adversaries. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical sophistication can leverage this weakness, particularly when they have physical access to the network segment where the mobile security suite operates. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.5 reflects the high potential impact on confidentiality, with the attack vector requiring access to the physical communication segment where the Oracle Mobile Security Suite executes, suggesting that the vulnerability may be exploited through network-based attacks or physical device compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the Android Mobile Authenticator App that fails to properly authenticate or authorize access to critical mobile security functions. This weakness allows unauthenticated attackers who can access the physical communication segment to potentially compromise the entire Oracle Mobile Security Suite implementation. The attack scenario implies that adversaries with network-level access can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive authentication data, session information, or other critical components managed by the mobile security suite. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it can potentially enable complete access to all data accessible through the Oracle Mobile Security Suite, representing a severe compromise of the system's security posture. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability likely corresponds to CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) or similar access control weaknesses that allow unauthorized access to protected resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21994 extends far beyond immediate data compromise, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access to mobile authentication systems that organizations rely upon for securing sensitive applications and data. Organizations utilizing Oracle Mobile Security Suite for protecting mobile applications face significant risk of credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to protected enterprise resources when this vulnerability remains unpatched. The attack vector's requirement for physical access to the communication segment suggests that this vulnerability may be particularly concerning in environments where network infrastructure is not properly secured or where physical security measures are inadequate. The confidentiality impact rating of high indicates that attackers can potentially access sensitive authentication data, user credentials, or other critical information that could be used for further attacks within the enterprise network. This vulnerability directly impacts the security controls that organizations implement to protect mobile authentication processes and can undermine trust in the mobile security infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies that include applying the relevant Oracle patches and updates to bring their Oracle Mobile Security Suite installations to version 11.1.2.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit physical access to network segments where Oracle Mobile Security Suite components operate, implementing proper network access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. The implementation of additional security monitoring and logging within mobile authentication systems can help detect exploitation attempts and unauthorized access to mobile security suite components. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected Oracle Mobile Security Suite deployments and ensure that proper access controls are implemented at both network and application levels. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability relates to T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) and T1566 (Phishing) techniques, as attackers may leverage this weakness to gain access to authentication systems that could then be used to facilitate further attacks against the enterprise environment. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.