CVE-2002-1264 in Oracle9i
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Oracle iSQL*Plus web application of the Oracle 9 database server allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long USERID parameter in the isqlplus URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1264 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Oracle iSQL*Plus, a web-based database administration tool that was part of the Oracle 9i Database Server suite. This web application interface enabled users to interact with Oracle databases through a browser-based interface, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of the USERID parameter within the isqlplus URL structure, where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability resides in the web application layer of Oracle's database infrastructure, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass traditional database security controls.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the iSQL*Plus web application processes the USERID parameter without proper bounds checking or input sanitization. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL with an excessively long USERID value, the application's internal buffer cannot accommodate the oversized input, resulting in memory overwrite conditions. This memory corruption typically occurs in the stack-based buffer allocated for processing user input, allowing the attacker to manipulate execution flow by overwriting return addresses or function pointers. The vulnerability follows the classic buffer overflow pattern where the application writes beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. According to CWE standards, this maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1264 extends far beyond simple data corruption, as it provides remote attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated permissions on the database server. This access can lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation to system administrator levels, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using Oracle 9i Database Server with iSQL*Plus enabled, potentially exposing critical business data and database management functions to unauthorized access. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed database web interfaces.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation includes applying Oracle's official security patches and updates that address the buffer overflow in iSQLPlus, as well as disabling the iSQLPlus web interface if it is not essential for business operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to database web interfaces, limiting exposure to only trusted administrative networks. Input validation measures should be strengthened at the application level, including implementing proper bounds checking for all user-supplied parameters and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious URL patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services and T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their database environments, implement network monitoring to detect anomalous access patterns, and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing database compromise scenarios. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should include assessment of web-based database interfaces to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the database infrastructure.