CVE-2001-0943 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
dbsnmp in Oracle 8.0.5 and 8.1.5, under certain conditions, trusts the PATH environment variable to find and execute the (1) chown or (2) chgrp commands, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code by modifying the PATH to point to Trojan Horse programs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0943 represents a classic privilege escalation flaw in Oracle Database 8.0.5 and 8.1.5 installations where the dbsnmp user process fails to properly validate system command paths. This issue stems from the insecure use of environment variables within critical system operations, specifically the PATH variable which is exploited to manipulate command execution behavior. The vulnerability exists because the dbsnmp process, which runs with elevated privileges, directly executes system commands without proper sanitization of the execution environment. When the system attempts to execute chown or chgrp commands through the dbsnmp process, it relies on the current PATH environment variable to locate these binaries, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can substitute legitimate system commands with malicious Trojan Horse programs.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a specific instance of insecure environment variable handling that allows for command injection attacks. The flaw operates under the principle of privilege escalation through environment manipulation, where local users can leverage their access to modify the PATH variable to redirect command execution to malicious binaries. The attack vector specifically targets the PATH environment variable manipulation, which is a well-documented technique in exploit development and represents a fundamental security weakness in how system commands are resolved. This issue is particularly dangerous because it allows unprivileged local users to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the dbsnmp process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited by malicious actors. The dbsnmp process typically runs with sufficient privileges to modify system files and potentially access sensitive database information, making this vulnerability a significant threat to database security. Attackers can craft malicious programs named chown or chgrp that execute arbitrary commands when called by the dbsnmp process, effectively allowing them to gain unauthorized access to system resources. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system access, as the malicious code executes within the trusted environment of the legitimate system process. The consequences include potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to database resources that could lead to significant business disruption and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0943 require immediate implementation of environment variable sanitization and path validation measures. Organizations should ensure that the PATH environment variable is properly sanitized before executing system commands, particularly in processes running with elevated privileges. The recommended approach involves explicitly specifying full paths to system commands rather than relying on the PATH variable, which prevents attackers from manipulating command resolution. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the exposure of vulnerable processes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and environment variable handling, which aligns with industry standards such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for secure system development. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other system components, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern of insecure environment variable usage that affects numerous applications and system processes.