CVE-2001-1216 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in PL/SQL Apache module in Oracle 9i Application Server allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long request for a help page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1216 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the PL/SQL Apache module of Oracle 9i Application Server. This security weakness specifically targets the handling of HTTP requests for help pages within the web server component, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and bounds checking in the module's processing of user-supplied data, particularly when handling extended request parameters that exceed allocated buffer sizes. The flaw resides in the server's inability to properly sanitize or limit the length of incoming requests, allowing malicious actors to overflow memory buffers and potentially overwrite critical program execution data.
This buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The attack vector operates through the Apache web server module that hosts Oracle's PL/SQL functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard HTTP communications without requiring special privileges or authentication. The remote execution aspect of this vulnerability means that attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing excessively long parameter strings, which when processed by the vulnerable module, cause the buffer to overflow and potentially redirect program execution to malicious code injected by the attacker. The attack follows a typical exploitation pattern where the attacker sends a specially crafted request that triggers the buffer overflow condition, leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-1216 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised server as a launch point for attacking other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects Oracle 9i Application Server installations that utilize the PL/SQL Apache module, making it particularly relevant for enterprise environments that rely on Oracle's web application platform. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, system downtime, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation can be automated through readily available attack tools, making it an attractive target for both sophisticated and less technically skilled threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Oracle 9i Application Server installations with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this buffer overflow condition. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on unusual HTTP request patterns, particularly those involving unusually long parameter strings or malformed requests targeting help pages. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary modules and services, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in web server components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation through buffer overflow attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other web application components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.