CVE-2002-0559 in Oracle9i
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in PL/SQL module 3.0.9.8.2 in Oracle 9i Application Server 1.0.2.x allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code via (1) a long help page request without a dadname, which overflows the resulting HTTP Location header, (2) a long HTTP request to the plsql module, (3) a long password in the HTTP Authorization, (4) a long Access Descriptor (DAD) password in the addadd form, or (5) a long cache directory name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0559 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the PL/SQL module version 3.0.9.8.2 of Oracle 9i Application Server 1.0.2.x. This flaw exists in the handling of various HTTP requests and authentication mechanisms, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries to compromise system integrity and availability. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking in the processing of user-supplied data within the PL/SQL module's HTTP handling components. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The affected Oracle 9i Application Server version demonstrates a fundamental flaw in memory management that persists across multiple attack scenarios, making it particularly dangerous due to its wide-ranging impact.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through several distinct attack vectors that all leverage the same underlying buffer overflow mechanism. Attackers can trigger the overflow by sending specially crafted HTTP requests containing excessive data in various fields including help page requests without dadname parameters, direct HTTP requests to the plsql module, HTTP Authorization headers with overly long passwords, Access Descriptor (DAD) passwords in the addadd form, and cache directory names that exceed allocated buffer sizes. Each of these vectors demonstrates how the PL/SQL module fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers, creating opportunities for memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or denial of service attacks. The HTTP Location header overflow specifically targets the response generation process, while the other vectors exploit different input processing paths within the same vulnerable component. This multi-vector nature significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the effectiveness of traditional network segmentation approaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0559 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential complete system compromise and data exposure. When exploited successfully, these buffer overflows can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application server process, potentially leading to full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive database information. The vulnerability affects the core application server functionality, meaning that successful exploitation could disrupt business operations and compromise the integrity of the entire Oracle 9i Application Server deployment. Organizations relying on this platform for mission-critical applications face significant risk of data breaches, service interruptions, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects the foundational web application server component that typically handles user authentication, session management, and database connectivity for enterprise applications. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1203, this vulnerability enables adversaries to gain access to the target system through application layer attacks that can escalate to system-level privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0559 require immediate attention and comprehensive implementation across affected systems. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant Oracle security patches and updates that address the buffer overflow conditions in the PL/SQL module. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected application server components, particularly limiting direct internet access to the PL/SQL module endpoints. Input validation mechanisms should be enhanced at multiple layers to prevent excessive data from reaching the vulnerable code paths, including implementing proper length checking for HTTP headers, authorization fields, and form parameters. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be strengthened to detect unusual request patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of these vulnerabilities. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and regular security assessments can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they succeed. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level firewalls or web application firewalls that can filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable PL/SQL module. Given the age of the affected Oracle 9i Application Server version, organizations should evaluate migrating to supported platforms to avoid similar vulnerabilities in future deployments and ensure continued security support.