CVE-2002-0857 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerabilities in Oracle Listener Control utility (lsnrctl) for Oracle 9.2 and 9.0, 8.1, and 7.3.4, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the Oracle DBA system by placing format strings into certain entries in the listener.ora configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0857 represents a critical format string flaw within Oracle's Listener Control utility known as lsnrctl. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Oracle Database including 9.2, 9.0, 8.1, and 7.3.4, making it a widespread issue across a significant portion of Oracle's database ecosystem during that era. The flaw specifically manifests when the lsnrctl utility processes certain entries within the listener.ora configuration file, creating a pathway for remote code execution that directly impacts Oracle Database Administrator systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of format specifiers within the utility's argument processing mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious format strings that can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the listener.ora configuration file, which serves as the primary configuration file for Oracle's network listener service. When lsnrctl processes entries within this file, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input that contains format specifiers such as %s, %d, or other format conversion characters. This improper handling creates a classic format string vulnerability that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the target system. Attackers can craft malicious entries in the listener.ora file that, when processed by lsnrctl, trigger the format string vulnerability and provide remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the Oracle database service account, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0857 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of Oracle database environments. The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Oracle databases are exposed to external networks. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data theft, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the core database administration infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information and manipulate database configurations. This flaw directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Oracle database systems, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams managing Oracle installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0857 should focus on immediate patching of affected Oracle database versions, as Oracle released security patches specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Oracle database systems and restrict direct network exposure of Oracle listener services. Configuration hardening measures include disabling unnecessary listener features, implementing strict access controls on the listener.ora file, and ensuring that only authorized administrators can modify database configuration files. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious patterns in listener.ora file modifications and unusual network traffic patterns associated with Oracle database services. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-134 which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, highlighting the remote code execution capabilities that make this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.