CVE-2001-0942 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
dbsnmp in Oracle 8.1.6 and 8.1.7 uses the ORACLE_HOME environment variable to find and execute the dbsnmp program, which allows local users to execute arbitrary programs by pointing the ORACLE_HOME to an alternate directory that contains a malicious version of dbsnmp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0942 represents a classic path traversal and privilege escalation issue affecting Oracle database installations version 8.1.6 and 8.1.7. This flaw resides in the dbsnmp component which is responsible for database monitoring and management functions. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the ORACLE_HOME environment variable, a critical configuration parameter that Oracle uses to locate its installation directories and executable components. When the dbsnmp program executes, it relies on the ORACLE_HOME variable to determine where to find its necessary binaries, creating an exploitable condition where local attackers can manipulate this variable to redirect execution to maliciously crafted alternatives.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper input validation. The dbsnmp program does not perform adequate verification of the ORACLE_HOME environment variable contents, allowing attackers to substitute their own malicious executables in place of the legitimate ones. This occurs because the system does not validate that the specified ORACLE_HOME directory contains only authorized Oracle components, nor does it verify that the dbsnmp binary being executed originates from the expected installation path. This weakness enables attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on the system, as the malicious dbsnmp binary will execute with the same privileges as the legitimate Oracle monitoring process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can effectively bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Oracle monitoring process. This creates a significant risk for database administrators who may inadvertently grant local access to users who could then leverage this weakness to escalate privileges. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where Oracle is installed with default configurations, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within the database environment. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-22 path traversal vulnerability, while the ATT&CK framework would categorize this under privilege escalation techniques using environment variable manipulation.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability involve several key approaches that address the root cause of the issue. Organizations should implement strict controls over the ORACLE_HOME environment variable and ensure that it points only to legitimate Oracle installation directories. System administrators should conduct regular audits of environment variable configurations and validate that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. The recommended solution includes implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all environment variables used by Oracle components, particularly those that influence binary execution paths. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing file system permissions and access controls that prevent unauthorized users from creating or modifying executables in Oracle installation directories. Patch management becomes critical as Oracle released subsequent versions that addressed this specific vulnerability through improved environment variable handling and enhanced privilege management within the dbsnmp component. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of principle of least privilege implementation and proper system hardening practices for database installations.