CVE-2002-2153 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the administrative pages of the PL/SQL module for Oracle Application Server 4.0.8 and 4.0.8 2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2153 represents a critical format string flaw within the administrative interfaces of Oracle Application Server PL/SQL module version 4.0.8 and 4.0.8 2. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings inappropriately, where user-supplied input is directly processed through format string functions without proper sanitization. The flaw exists in the administrative pages of the PL/SQL module, which are typically accessed through web interfaces for managing application server configurations and operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the PL/SQL administrative interface. When the system processes user-provided parameters through format string functions such as printf or sprintf, it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input data before using it in the formatting context. This allows malicious actors to inject format specifiers that can manipulate the program's execution flow and potentially overwrite memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the administrative pages, which typically operate with elevated privileges and have access to sensitive system configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The administrative interface access provides attackers with privileged operations that could include database access, configuration modifications, and unauthorized data manipulation. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain elevated system access through the administrative interface.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal privileges and can be performed remotely without authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. The format string vulnerability allows attackers to perform memory corruption attacks, potentially leading to stack smashing or heap corruption, which can result in arbitrary code execution. Given that this affected Oracle Application Server versions were widely deployed in enterprise environments, the potential attack surface was substantial. Organizations running these vulnerable versions faced significant risk of unauthorized access to their application server infrastructure, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2153 should include immediate patching of affected Oracle Application Server installations to the latest security updates provided by Oracle. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, restrict administrative access through firewall rules, and monitor for suspicious activity in application server logs. The remediation process should involve comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch deployment across all systems. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization practices in all web applications can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future, aligning with security best practices recommended by NIST and other cybersecurity frameworks.