CVE-2002-0858 in Oracle8i
Summary
by MITRE
catsnmp in Oracle 9i and 8i is installed with a dbsnmp user with a default dbsnmp password, which allows attackers to perform restricted database operations and possibly gain other privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0858 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle database systems version 8i and 9i where the catsnmp utility is installed with a default password for the dbsnmp user account. This configuration creates a significant attack vector that allows unauthorized individuals to exploit the system through the Simple Network Management Protocol interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with access to restricted database operations that should normally be protected from unauthorized access. The default password configuration effectively creates a backdoor that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms, enabling malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to database management functions. This issue directly relates to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-259, which covers the use of weak passwords. The vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK framework as Credential Access - Hardcoded Credentials, and Privilege Escalation - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating how default configurations can be exploited to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Oracle's default installation practices where the dbsnmp user account is created with a known default password that remains unchanged in many production environments. When the catsnmp utility is executed, it leverages this default credential to establish connections to the database management system through SNMP protocols. This allows attackers to perform operations such as database monitoring, configuration changes, and potentially execute administrative commands that should be restricted to authorized database administrators. The restricted database operations available through this compromised account can include viewing database parameters, accessing sensitive information, modifying database configurations, and in some cases, executing arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that many organizations fail to change default passwords during installation, leaving systems exposed to automated attacks that target these well-known default credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0858 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized privilege escalation within the database environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive database information, potentially leading to data theft, manipulation, or destruction. The restricted operations available through the compromised dbsnmp account can be leveraged to perform reconnaissance activities, identify additional vulnerabilities, and establish persistent access to the database infrastructure. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited to access confidential data. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges beyond the initial restricted access, potentially gaining full administrative control over the database system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where databases contain critical business information and sensitive customer data.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0858 focus on immediate password changes and comprehensive security hardening practices. Organizations should immediately change the default password for the dbsnmp user account to a strong, complex password that meets industry security standards. This involves implementing password policies that enforce complexity requirements, regular password rotation, and ensuring that default accounts are either disabled or have strong authentication mechanisms in place. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all database installations to identify and remediate similar default credential configurations across the enterprise infrastructure. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to restrict access to database management interfaces, enabling strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly updating database software to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging of database management activities to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The implementation of these controls aligns with industry best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, which emphasize the importance of credential management and access control in protecting database systems from unauthorized access.