CVE-2004-1363 in E-Business Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in extproc in Oracle 10g allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via environment variables in the library name, which are expanded after the length check is performed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1363 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Oracle 10g's extproc component, which operates as a remote execution service for external procedures. This vulnerability specifically targets the environment variable expansion mechanism within the library name processing functionality, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the system through carefully crafted inputs. The flaw exists in the way Oracle handles environment variable expansion during library name processing, where the system performs a length check before expanding environment variables, leaving a window for exploitation. This design oversight allows malicious actors to craft inputs that exceed buffer boundaries after expansion, bypassing the initial validation checks that should prevent such overflow conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the extproc service, which is designed to execute external procedures through Oracle's database interface. When Oracle processes external procedure calls, it accepts library names that may contain environment variables such as $ORACLE_HOME or similar constructs. The system performs an initial length check on the unexpanded library name, but fails to account for the potential expansion of these variables, which can significantly increase the final string length. This mismatch between the pre-expansion length validation and the actual expanded content creates the buffer overflow condition that attackers can leverage for code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the way environment variables are processed within the extproc framework, making it particularly dangerous in database environments where this service is enabled.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1363 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise within affected Oracle environments. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Oracle database service account, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This provides attackers with a direct pathway to compromise database servers, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and further lateral movement within network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication to the database itself, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. Organizations with exposed Oracle 10g instances running extproc services face significant risk of unauthorized access and system compromise, especially when these services are accessible from untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several protective measures including disabling the extproc service when not actively required, applying Oracle's official security patches, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers. Organizations should also configure proper access controls to restrict which users can invoke external procedures and ensure that environment variables used in library names are properly sanitized. Network-based protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious external procedure calls and unusual patterns of database access. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable extproc service. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that enables arbitrary code execution through buffer manipulation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and remote code execution tactics, demonstrating how insufficient input validation can create persistent attack vectors within enterprise database environments.