CVE-2002-0560 in Oracle9i
Summary
by MITRE
PL/SQL module 3.0.9.8.2 in Oracle 9i Application Server 1.0.2.x allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via the OWA_UTIL stored procedures (1) OWA_UTIL.signature, (2) OWA_UTIL.listprint, or (3) OWA_UTIL.show_query_columns.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0560 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within Oracle 9i Application Server 1.0.2.x versions. This issue specifically targets the PL/SQL module version 3.0.9.8.2 and affects the OWA_UTIL stored procedures that are part of Oracle's Web Application Utilities. The vulnerability exists in the way these procedures handle and expose internal database metadata, creating a pathway for remote attackers to extract sensitive information from the underlying Oracle database system. The affected procedures include OWA_UTIL.signature, OWA_UTIL.listprint, and OWA_UTIL.show_query_columns, which are designed for web application development but inadvertently leak database structure information when invoked improperly.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories. The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the OWA_UTIL procedures, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that trigger the exposure of database schema information, table names, column structures, and potentially authentication details. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it a critical threat vector for attackers seeking to map database structures before launching more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked metadata provides attackers with crucial intelligence for planning subsequent attacks. When an attacker successfully exploits any of the three vulnerable procedures, they can obtain detailed information about database objects, which could be used to identify potential attack vectors, understand database relationships, and craft more targeted SQL injection attacks. The exposure of query column information specifically enables attackers to understand how data is structured within the database, potentially revealing sensitive fields and data types that could be exploited in further compromise attempts. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and information hiding that should be inherent in secure database application design.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0560 should focus on immediate patching of Oracle 9i Application Server installations, as Oracle released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Oracle application servers and restrict the execution of OWA_UTIL procedures to only trusted applications. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output filtering mechanisms within web applications can help prevent malicious exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of OWA_UTIL procedure calls, and access controls should be strictly enforced to ensure that only authorized users can invoke these potentially dangerous procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege management and input validation in preventing information disclosure attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001.