CVE-2025-30694 Overview
CVE-2025-30694 is a vulnerability affecting the XML Database component of Oracle Database Server. This flaw allows a low-privileged attacker with a User Account privilege and network access via HTTP to compromise the XML Database component. The vulnerability requires human interaction from a person other than the attacker, and successful exploitation can result in unauthorized update, insert, or delete access to some XML Database accessible data, as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of XML Database accessible data.
Critical Impact
This vulnerability enables improper access control (CWE-284) with scope change, meaning attacks on the XML Database can significantly impact additional products beyond the vulnerable component.
Affected Products
- Oracle XML Database versions 19.3 through 19.26
- Oracle XML Database versions 21.3 through 21.17
- Oracle XML Database versions 23.4 through 23.7
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-15 - CVE-2025-30694 published to NVD
- 2025-04-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-30694
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control). The flaw exists within the XML Database component of Oracle Database Server and can be exploited remotely over the network via HTTP protocol. The attack has low complexity but requires authentication with low privileges (User Account level) and human interaction from a victim.
The scope change characteristic is particularly noteworthy as it indicates that successful exploitation can impact resources beyond the vulnerable XML Database component itself. The vulnerability affects both confidentiality and integrity, allowing attackers to read sensitive data and modify database contents, though availability is not impacted.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-30694 is improper access control within the XML Database component. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation or authorization checks when processing HTTP requests, allowing authenticated users with minimal privileges to access or modify data they should not have permission to interact with.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to have:
- A valid User Account with low privileges on the Oracle Database Server
- Network access to the target system via HTTP
- The ability to trick or involve another user (human interaction required)
The attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the XML Database component. Due to the scope change characteristic, successful attacks against the XML Database may pivot to affect additional Oracle products and components connected to the database server.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30694
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP requests targeting the XML Database component from low-privileged user accounts
- Unexpected data modifications or read operations within XML Database accessible data
- Anomalous cross-component activity originating from XML Database operations
- Authentication events followed by suspicious data access patterns
Detection Strategies
- Monitor HTTP traffic to Oracle Database Server for unusual patterns or malformed requests targeting XML Database functionality
- Implement database activity monitoring to detect unauthorized read or write operations
- Audit user account activities, particularly focusing on low-privileged accounts accessing XML Database components
- Configure alerts for scope change indicators where XML Database operations affect other Oracle products
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive audit logging for the XML Database component
- Monitor for unusual user interaction patterns that may indicate social engineering attempts
- Implement network segmentation monitoring between Oracle Database Server and connected products
- Review access control configurations regularly to ensure proper privilege separation
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30694
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Oracle Critical Patch Update (CPU) from April 2025 to affected Oracle Database Server installations
- Review and restrict User Account privileges to the XML Database component
- Implement network access controls to limit HTTP access to the database server
- Audit user accounts with access to XML Database functionality and remove unnecessary privileges
Patch Information
Oracle has released a security patch addressing CVE-2025-30694 as part of the Oracle Security Alert April 2025. Organizations should apply the patch to all affected Oracle Database Server versions:
- 19.x series: Update from versions 19.3-19.26 to the patched release
- 21.x series: Update from versions 21.3-21.17 to the patched release
- 23.x series: Update from versions 23.4-23.7 to the patched release
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to the XML Database component by implementing firewall rules to limit HTTP connections
- Apply the principle of least privilege to user accounts, removing User Account privileges from users who do not require XML Database access
- Implement additional authentication controls to reduce the risk of exploitation requiring human interaction
- Deploy network segmentation to isolate Oracle Database Server from other critical systems to minimize scope change impact
# Example: Restrict HTTP access to Oracle XML Database (firewall rule)
# Block external HTTP access to Oracle Database Server ports
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s 0.0.0.0/0 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
