CVE-2004-1367 in E-Business Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Oracle 10g Database Server, when installed with a password that contains an exclamation point ("!") for the (1) DBSNMP or (2) SYSMAN user, generates an error that logs the password in the world-readable postDBCreation.log file, which could allow local users to obtain that password and use it against SYS or SYSTEM accounts, which may have been installed with the same password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1367 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle 10g Database Server that stems from improper handling of special characters in user passwords during database creation. This issue specifically affects the DBSNMP and SYSMAN administrative accounts, which are essential components of Oracle's database management infrastructure. The vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in the password validation and logging mechanisms of the database installation process, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by local attackers with minimal technical expertise.
The technical flaw manifests when Oracle 10g encounters a password containing an exclamation point character during the database creation process. This particular character triggers an error condition within the installation routine that causes the system to log the complete password in the postDBCreation.log file. This log file is created with world-readable permissions, meaning any local user on the system can access its contents without authentication requirements. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information, and CWE-772, which covers missing release of resource. The error handling mechanism fails to sanitize or properly process the password before logging, creating a direct information disclosure vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password exposure, as it creates a potential pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to critical database accounts. When the DBSNMP and SYSMAN accounts are configured with passwords containing exclamation points, attackers can extract these credentials and potentially use them to access the SYSTEM or SYS accounts, which often share similar password configurations. This scenario represents a classic case of credential reuse that can lead to complete database compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts with default passwords, as the exposed credentials can be used to establish persistent access to the database system. The risk is particularly severe because local users already have system access, making this an internal threat that can be exploited without external network exposure.
The implications of this vulnerability are significant for database administrators and security teams responsible for protecting enterprise data assets. The exposure of administrative credentials can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, potentially resulting in data breaches that affect thousands or millions of records. Organizations using Oracle 10g databases with vulnerable configurations face substantial risk of insider threats and lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical gap in Oracle's installation process and highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure logging practices. Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including password changes for affected accounts, review of log file permissions, and implementation of automated monitoring for suspicious access patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their database installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other Oracle products and versions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure configuration management and the need for thorough testing of installation processes under various input conditions to prevent similar information disclosure scenarios.