CVE-2003-0894 in Oracle9i
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the (1) oracle and (2) oracleO programs in Oracle 9i Database 9.0.x and 9.2.x before 9.2.0.4 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0894 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Oracle 9i Database versions 9.0.x and 9.2.x prior to patch level 9.2.0.4. This security issue specifically targets two executable programs named oracle and oracleO which are core components of the Oracle database system architecture. The flaw exists in the command line argument processing functionality where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overflow memory buffers during program execution. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since it requires local system access to exploit, though the potential for arbitrary code execution makes it particularly dangerous in compromised environments. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability where insufficient input validation permits memory corruption through excessive data input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the oracle and oracleO programs process command line arguments without proper boundary checks on input length. When a malicious user provides an excessively long command line argument, the program's buffer allocation fails to handle the overflow condition properly, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical program execution data. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation typically involves crafting specific command line inputs that trigger the buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate memory management within the Oracle database client applications, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0894 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. In Oracle database environments, this could potentially lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, especially if the oracle processes are running with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects database administrators who may inadvertently execute malicious commands through compromised or poorly configured database client tools. Organizations running Oracle 9i Database versions before 9.2.0.4 face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering, compromised user accounts, or insider threats. The lack of proper input sanitization creates a persistent security weakness that could be combined with other vulnerabilities to achieve more sophisticated attack objectives.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Oracle 9i Database installations to version 9.2.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures and restrict local user access to database client executables where possible. Network segmentation and privilege separation techniques should be employed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated Oracle database installations, particularly focusing on the specific oracle and oracleO executables mentioned in the vulnerability description. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual command line argument patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should follow industry standards for vulnerability management and include thorough testing of patches in non-production environments before deployment to ensure system stability and prevent service disruption.