CVE-2005-2293 in Forms Builder
Summary
by MITRE
Oracle Formsbuilder 9.0.4 stores database usernames and passwords in a temporary file, which is not deleted after it is used, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
Oracle FormsBuilder 9.0.4 contains a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper temporary file handling. The vulnerability stems from the application's design where database connection parameters including usernames and passwords are written to temporary files during the development process. These temporary files remain on the filesystem after the application completes its operations, creating an persistent exposure vector for local attackers who can access these files directly. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of credential management and temporary file handling, as sensitive information should never persist beyond its immediate operational requirement.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of secure coding practices and represents a classic case of insecure temporary file storage. When FormsBuilder creates temporary files containing database credentials, it fails to implement proper cleanup mechanisms or secure file permissions. The temporary files are typically stored in predictable locations such as the system's temporary directory, making them easily discoverable by local users. This flaw operates at the system level rather than requiring network access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any user with local system access. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses Information Exposure Through Temporary Files, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for Data from Local System.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as the exposed database credentials can enable attackers to establish unauthorized database connections and potentially escalate privileges. Local attackers can leverage these credentials to access database resources, execute malicious queries, or even perform data exfiltration operations. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive authentication information. Given that FormsBuilder is typically used in enterprise environments, the compromise of these credentials can lead to broader security incidents including potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The persistence of these temporary files creates a continuous risk window, as they remain accessible until manually deleted or the system is rebooted.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. System administrators should implement regular cleanup procedures to remove temporary files from the filesystem and ensure that proper file permissions are enforced on temporary directories. The most effective immediate fix involves upgrading to a newer version of Oracle FormsBuilder where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper temporary file management. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to temporary directories and establish privileged access controls to limit local user access to sensitive system areas. Security hardening measures including disabling unnecessary temporary file creation and implementing automated cleanup processes can significantly reduce the risk window. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar credential exposure vulnerabilities across their application portfolio, as this represents a common pattern in legacy software development practices.