CVE-2023-34363 in DataDirect Connect for ODBC
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
An issue was discovered in Progress DataDirect Connect for ODBC before 08.02.2770 for Oracle. When using Oracle Advanced Security (OAS) encryption, if an error is encountered initializing the encryption object used to encrypt data, the code falls back to a different encryption mechanism that uses an insecure random number generator to generate the private key. It is possible for a well-placed attacker to predict the output of this random number generator, which could lead to an attacker decrypting traffic between the driver and the database server. The vulnerability does not exist if SSL / TLS encryption is used.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2026
This vulnerability resides in Progress DataDirect Connect for ODBC version 08.02.2770 and earlier, specifically affecting Oracle database connections that utilize Oracle Advanced Security encryption. The flaw manifests when the encryption object initialization fails, triggering a fallback mechanism that employs an insecure random number generator for private key generation. This represents a critical weakness in cryptographic implementation where the system fails to maintain security standards during error recovery scenarios, creating a potential attack vector that directly undermines the confidentiality of database communications.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper error handling within the encryption initialization process, where the fallback mechanism does not adequately secure the key generation process. When Oracle Advanced Security encryption fails to initialize properly, the system automatically switches to an alternative encryption method that relies on a predictable random number generator. This behavior violates fundamental cryptographic principles outlined in CWE-330, which addresses the use of insecure random number generators in cryptographic contexts. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-330 and CWE-310, as it involves both the use of weak random number generation and the improper implementation of cryptographic key derivation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data confidentiality breaches, as it enables man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can decrypt sensitive database communications. A well-positioned attacker who can predict the output of the insecure random number generator gains the ability to reconstruct private keys and subsequently decrypt traffic between the ODBC driver and Oracle database server. This compromise affects all applications using the vulnerable DataDirect driver with Oracle Advanced Security encryption, potentially exposing sensitive business data, user credentials, and transactional information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently in the background, allowing attackers to establish persistent decryption capabilities without detection.
Organizations should immediately update to Progress DataDirect Connect for ODBC version 08.02.2770 or later, which contains the patched implementation that properly handles encryption initialization failures without falling back to insecure mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended mitigation strategy aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which addresses application layer protocol attacks, by ensuring proper cryptographic implementations and monitoring for potential exploitation of weak encryption fallback mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should evaluate their database security posture and consider implementing alternative encryption methods such as SSL/TLS, which are not affected by this vulnerability and provide more robust security guarantees. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining cryptographic security throughout all code paths, including error handling scenarios, as highlighted in the NIST SP 800-131A cryptographic standards that mandate the use of secure random number generators in all cryptographic operations.