Hacking and Protecting Oracle Database Vault

Architecture and Background

Esteban Martínez Fayó - Hacking and Protecting Oracle Database Vault Oracle Database Vault was launched a few years ago to put a limit on DBAs unlimited power especially over highly confidential data where it is required by regulations. This presentation will show how this add-on product for Oracle Database performs on this difficult task, first giving an introduction to DB Vault and what protections does it brings, then showing with many examples how it is possible to bypass the protections provided.

Vulnerability Analysis

The attacks demonstrated include getting operating system access to disable DB Vault, SQL Injection and impersonation techniques to bypass DB Vault protections and how it is possible using simple exploits to circumvent DB Vault. These attack examples are accompanied by recommendations on how to protect from them.

Exploitation and Demonstrations

Also the presentation shows some issues with native database auditing and has a section with additional recommendations to secure DB Vault and conclusions. Esteban Martínez Fayó is a security researcher; he has discovered and helped to fix multiple security vulnerabilities in major vendor software products.

Remediation and Defensive Strategies

He specializes in application security and is recognized as the discoverer of most of the vulnerabilities in Oracle server software. Esteban has developed and presented novel database attack techniques at international conferences such as Black Hat, WebSec, NcN and ekoparty. Esteban currently works for Argeniss doing information security research and developing security related software solutions. For copies of the slides and additional materials please see the DEF CON 18 Archive here: