CVE-2026-83160 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2026
Vulnerability in the RDBMS component of Oracle Database Server. Supported versions that are affected are 23.4.0-23.26.3. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker having Create Table privilege with network access via Oracle Net to compromise RDBMS. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of RDBMS. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 8.8 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2026
The identified vulnerability resides within the Relational Database Management System component of Oracle Database Server, specifically affecting supported versions ranging from 23.4.0 to 23.26.3. This security flaw represents a critical risk vector for organizations relying on these database instances for mission-critical data storage and processing operations. The nature of this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows an attacker with relatively low privileges, specifically the Create Table privilege, to achieve complete compromise of the underlying RDBMS instance. Unlike many other vulnerabilities that require high-level administrative access or complex exploitation chains involving multiple distinct flaws, this issue can be triggered by a single authenticated user who possesses basic object creation rights and has network connectivity via Oracle Net services.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability leverages the inherent trust placed in database objects created by authorized users to execute code with elevated privileges. When an attacker utilizes their Create Table privilege through the Oracle Net interface, they can construct specific table structures or associated metadata that trigger a flaw within the RDBMS engine during parsing, compilation, or execution phases. This flaw likely involves improper validation of input data passed from client connections, leading to memory corruption, logic bypasses, or injection-like behaviors that allow arbitrary code execution outside the intended security boundaries. The reliance on network access via Oracle Net means that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely over TCP/IP networks without requiring physical access or local shell access to the database server host, significantly expanding the attack surface for potential adversaries targeting internet-facing or internally connected database servers.
The operational impact of a successful exploitation is severe and comprehensive, as indicated by the CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 8.8 which reflects high impacts on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains full takeover of the RDBMS process. This level of access typically translates to unrestricted read and write capabilities across all databases hosted on the instance, allowing for the exfiltration of sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or personally identifiable information which constitutes a major breach of confidentiality. Furthermore, the attacker can modify existing records, insert fraudulent transactions, or drop critical tables, thereby compromising the integrity of the organization's operational data. The availability impact is equally significant as the attacker may execute destructive commands that render the database service unavailable to legitimate users, causing substantial business disruption and potential financial loss due to downtime.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration categories such as CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command or CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code, depending on the specific internal mechanism exploited within the RDBMS engine. In terms of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability facilitates techniques associated with Initial Access via valid accounts and Privilege Escalation from a low-privileged user to system-level control. The ability for a Create Table privileged user to escalate privileges bypasses standard least-privilege principles that are fundamental to secure database architecture. This scenario highlights the risk of over-provisioning permissions within Oracle Database environments, where users may be granted more access than necessary for their daily tasks, thereby increasing the blast radius if those credentials are compromised or abused by malicious insiders.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural hardening. The primary defense is to apply the latest security patches provided by Oracle immediately to all affected versions within the 23.4.0 to 23.26.3 range. Organizations should verify their patch levels using official Oracle support channels and ensure that maintenance updates are applied promptly according to critical update recommendations. In addition to patching, it is crucial to review user privileges across the database environment. Administrators should audit accounts with Create Table privilege and restrict this capability only to those users who strictly require it for application functionality. Implementing role-based access control can help minimize the number of high-privilege or dangerous-low-privilege accounts that exist within the system.
Network-level controls also play a vital role in mitigating the risk associated with Oracle Net exposure. Database servers should not be directly exposed to untrusted networks such as the public internet without robust perimeter defenses including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and web application firewalls configured to filter malicious SQL patterns or abnormal connection behaviors. Enabling advanced auditing features within Oracle Database can help detect suspicious activities related to table creation or privilege escalation attempts in real-time. Furthermore, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that provide visibility into user actions and flag anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts. By combining timely patching with strict access control policies and network segmentation, enterprises can significantly reduce the likelihood of this vulnerability being exploited and protect their critical data assets from compromise.