Security of Oracle Database Systems

Ensuring the security of Oracle database systems requires a multi-layered approach involving robust configuration, monitoring, and access control practices. Here’s a comprehensive list of best practices:

1. Database Configuration

• Apply Security Patches Regularly: Always install the latest Critical Patch Updates (CPUs) provided by Oracle to address vulnerabilities.
• Secure Listener Configuration:
  • Use a password for the Oracle Listener.
  • Restrict listener access using the LOCAL_LISTENER or REMOTE_LISTENER parameters.
• Enable Database Auditing:
  • Use Oracle Unified Auditing to monitor and log database activities.
  • Enable fine-grained auditing (FGA) for sensitive operations.
• Disable Unused Features:
  • Turn off unused database options and services to reduce attack surface (e.g., DBMS_XDB if not using XMLDB).

2. Authentication and Authorization

• Strong Password Policies:
  • Enforce strong password rules (length, complexity, and expiration).
  • Use password verification functions to validate password quality.
• Role-Based Access Control:
  • Grant privileges based on roles, not directly to users.
  • Follow the principle of least privilege (POLP).
• Database Vault:
  • Use Oracle Database Vault to enforce separation of duties and restrict highly privileged users.

3. Network Security

• Encrypt Data in Transit:
  • Enable Oracle Advanced Security’s SSL/TLS for encrypted connections.
  • Use Oracle Native Network Encryption.
• Firewall and Network Isolation:
  • Place the database behind a firewall.
  • Use network access control lists (ACLs) to limit who can connect to the database.
• Restrict IP Addresses:
  • Restrict access to trusted IP addresses using tools like Oracle Net Manager.

4. Data Protection

• Encrypt Data at Rest:
  • Use Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) to protect sensitive data.
• Secure Backups:
  • Encrypt and securely store database backups.
  • Use secure protocols for backup transfers.
• Data Masking and Redaction:
  • Use Oracle Data Redaction to hide sensitive data in queries.
  • Employ Oracle Data Masking for non-production environments.

5. Monitoring and Threat Detection

• Enable Database Auditing:
  • Monitor logins, SQL executions, and changes to privileges.
• Use Oracle Audit Vault and Database Firewall (AVDF):
  • To monitor activity and detect/prevent unauthorized access.
• Real-Time Alerts:
  • Configure alerts for suspicious activities such as repeated failed logins or unexpected access.

6. Physical Security

• Secure Servers:
  • Ensure physical security of database servers in locked and monitored data centers.
• Backup Media Security:
  • Protect backup tapes and storage devices with encryption and secure storage.

7. Secure Development Practices

• Input Validation:
  • Protect against SQL injection by using bind variables.
• Secure Coding Standards:
  • Ensure that application developers follow secure coding practices.

8. Regular Assessments

• Penetration Testing:
  • Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests on the database environment.
• Vulnerability Scans:
  • Use tools to scan for vulnerabilities in Oracle configurations.
• Compliance Audits:
  • Regularly check for compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS, GDPR, or HIPAA.

9. Training and Awareness

• Educate Users and Admins:
  • Train database administrators and users on security policies and best practices.
• Incident Response Plan:
  • Develop and test an incident response plan for database breaches.

Implementing these measures will help you secure Oracle database systems against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.

Reference: Oracle RAC Patching Steps