CVE-2002-1631 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the query.xsql sample page in Oracle 9i Application Server (9iAS) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the sql parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1631 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Oracle 9i Application Server version 9.0.2 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the query.xsql sample page component that is part of the Oracle 9iAS suite, which was widely deployed in enterprise environments for web application development and deployment. The flaw resides within the application server's handling of SQL queries through the sample page interface, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the query.xsql page. When users provide input through the sql parameter, the Oracle 9iAS application server fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as SQL commands. This insufficient sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the parameter, which then gets executed within the database context. The vulnerability is classified as a classic SQL injection attack vector where user-controllable input directly influences database query construction without proper security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted across enterprise security landscapes. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the underlying database system, potentially gaining full administrative privileges and access to sensitive data. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, deletion, and even system command execution. This represents a significant compromise of data integrity and confidentiality, particularly in environments where Oracle 9iAS serves as a core web application platform. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network infrastructures.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Organizations using Oracle 9iAS were particularly vulnerable as this was a widespread deployment platform in the early 2000s, making the impact of this vulnerability extensive across multiple industries and enterprise environments. The exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced attackers. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability existed in widely deployed software components, highlighting the importance of regular patch management and input validation practices. The remediation approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and access controls to prevent unauthorized SQL command injection. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for secure coding practices and the importance of validating all user inputs before processing them within database contexts.