CVE-2001-0941 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in dbsnmp in Oracle 8.0.6 through 9.0.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long ORACLE_HOME environment variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0941 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the dbsnmp component of Oracle Database versions 8.0.6 through 9.0.1. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the database's network monitoring daemon, which is responsible for handling Oracle Home environment variables during system initialization and operation. The flaw specifically manifests when the dbsnmp process processes a malformed ORACLE_HOME environment variable that exceeds predetermined buffer size limits, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to gain elevated system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the system call level where the dbsnmp process performs string operations without proper boundary checks on the ORACLE_HOME environment variable. When an attacker sets an environment variable exceeding the allocated buffer space, typically measured in bytes, the process experiences a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition. This overflow corrupts adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, enabling an attacker to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code into the process memory space. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient space is allocated for data storage, and specifically maps to CWE-787 which addresses out-of-bounds write operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to database security since it allows local users to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the dbsnmp process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The attack vector requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have shell access to database servers. The exploited process often operates with database administrative privileges, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive data, modify database configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through environment variable manipulation and execution through compromised system processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0941 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Oracle released security patches for affected versions that address the buffer overflow by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking for environment variables. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of Oracle Database, specifically Oracle 9.2.0.6 or later, which contain fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict environment variable validation policies and monitor for unusual ORACLE_HOME settings. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit local access to database servers. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in database applications and demonstrates how seemingly benign environment variable handling can create critical security weaknesses that require comprehensive security testing and code review processes to identify and remediate.