CVE-2025-30751: Oracle Database Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-30751 Overview

CVE-2025-30751 is an authorization bypass vulnerability affecting the Oracle Database component of Oracle Database Server. This easily exploitable flaw allows a low-privileged attacker with Create Session and Create Procedure privileges to completely compromise the Oracle Database through network access via Oracle Net. Successful exploitation results in full takeover of the Oracle Database, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Critical Impact

Low-privileged authenticated attackers can achieve complete database takeover through network access, gaining full control over sensitive data and database operations.

Affected Products

• Oracle Database Server version 19.27
• Oracle Database Server versions 23.4 through 23.8

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-07-15 - CVE-2025-30751 published to NVD
• 2025-07-29 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-30751

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper authorization controls (CWE-863) within the Oracle Database component. The flaw allows authenticated users with minimal privileges—specifically Create Session and Create Procedure—to escalate their access and achieve complete database takeover. The attack complexity is low, requiring no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users have basic database access.

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network via Oracle Net, Oracle's proprietary network protocol for database connectivity. This network-based attack vector significantly increases the exposure risk, especially in environments where Oracle Database servers are accessible from multiple network segments or where database access is granted to a wide user base.

Root Cause

The root cause is classified as CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization. The Oracle Database component fails to properly validate or enforce authorization checks when users with Create Session and Create Procedure privileges attempt certain operations. This authorization bypass allows attackers to perform actions beyond their intended privilege level, ultimately leading to complete database compromise.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed over the network through Oracle Net connectivity. An attacker requires:

1. Valid credentials with low-level privileges (Create Session, Create Procedure)
2. Network access to the Oracle Database server via Oracle Net
3. No additional user interaction required

The attack leverages the authorization flaw to escalate privileges from a limited user context to full database control. The vulnerability affects core database operations, enabling attackers to read, modify, or delete any data, as well as potentially disrupt database availability.

Due to the sensitive nature of this vulnerability and the absence of verified public exploit code, specific technical exploitation details are being withheld. Organizations should consult the Oracle Security Alert July 2025 for detailed technical guidance.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30751

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual stored procedure creation or modification by low-privileged accounts
• Unexpected privilege escalation events in database audit logs
• Anomalous Oracle Net connection patterns from internal user accounts
• Database objects being accessed or modified outside normal user permissions

Detection Strategies

• Enable comprehensive Oracle Database auditing for CREATE PROCEDURE statements and privilege usage
• Monitor for attempts to access system tables or privileged operations from non-administrative accounts
• Implement network monitoring for unusual Oracle Net traffic patterns or connection volumes
• Review database session logs for privilege escalation indicators

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure Oracle Unified Audit to capture all procedure creation and execution events
• Establish baselines for normal user activity and alert on deviations
• Deploy database activity monitoring solutions to detect authorization bypass attempts
• Integrate Oracle Database logs with SIEM solutions for centralized threat correlation

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30751

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the Oracle Critical Patch Update (CPU) for July 2025 immediately
• Audit all database accounts with Create Session and Create Procedure privileges
• Implement network segmentation to limit Oracle Net access to authorized systems only
• Review and minimize privilege grants following the principle of least privilege

Patch Information

Oracle has addressed this vulnerability in the July 2025 Critical Patch Update. Organizations should apply the patch according to Oracle's guidance available in the Oracle Security Alert July 2025. Affected versions include Oracle Database Server 19.27 and versions 23.4 through 23.8.

Workarounds

• Revoke Create Procedure privileges from all non-essential user accounts until patching is complete
• Restrict Oracle Net access at the network level using firewalls to limit exposure
• Implement strict database role separation to minimize accounts with combined Create Session and Create Procedure privileges
• Enable enhanced monitoring and alerting on all procedure-related database activities

# Review accounts with Create Procedure privilege
sqlplus / as sysdba <<EOF
SELECT grantee, privilege FROM dba_sys_privs 
WHERE privilege IN ('CREATE PROCEDURE', 'CREATE SESSION')
ORDER BY grantee;
EOF

# Revoke Create Procedure from non-essential accounts (example)
# REVOKE CREATE PROCEDURE FROM <username>;