CVE-2002-0965 in Oracle9i
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in TNS Listener for Oracle 9i Database Server on Windows systems, and Oracle 8 on VM, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long SERVICE_NAME parameter, which is not properly handled when writing an error message to a log file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0965 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the TNS Listener component of Oracle database servers, specifically affecting Oracle 9i Database Server on Windows systems and Oracle 8 on Virtual Machines. This issue arises from improper input validation mechanisms within the listener service that processes network connections to database instances. The vulnerability manifests when the TNS Listener encounters a malformed SERVICE_NAME parameter during connection attempts, leading to an exploitable condition in the error handling routine.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic buffer overflow attack vector where a maliciously crafted SERVICE_NAME parameter exceeds the allocated buffer size during error message generation. When the listener attempts to write this oversized parameter to a log file, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code. This flaw operates at the application layer and requires no authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any local user with access to the network interface.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for database server environments as it allows local users to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the TNS Listener process. The attack surface is broad since the TNS Listener typically runs with elevated privileges and is accessible over the network, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Organizations running affected Oracle database versions face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it affects multiple Oracle versions and platforms, increasing the potential attack surface.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script injection, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1566 for phishing with social engineering. Effective mitigation strategies must include immediate patch application from Oracle to address the buffer overflow in the TNS Listener component. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the TNS Listener port, typically port 1521, limiting exposure to authorized users only. Additionally, monitoring and logging of TNS Listener activities should be enhanced to detect anomalous SERVICE_NAME parameter usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential buffer overflow attack signatures and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in their database infrastructure.