CVE-2005-3203 in htmldb
Summary
by MITRE
the manual installation of oracle html db (htmldb) 1.3 through 1.3.6 stores the sys password in install.lst in plaintext which allows local users to gain privileges.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3203 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle HTML DB (HTMDB) versions 1.3 through 1.3.6 where the system stores the SYS password in plaintext within the install.lst file during manual installation processes. This configuration creates a significant privilege escalation vector that directly violates fundamental security principles of credential protection and access control. The issue stems from poor security practices in the installation procedure where sensitive authentication credentials are persisted in an unencrypted format, making them immediately accessible to any local user with file system access. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and demonstrates a failure in implementing proper access controls and credential management protocols during software deployment. The installation process itself becomes a security risk because it creates a persistent exposure that remains active even after the initial setup completes.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the installation phase where the system fails to properly secure authentication credentials through encryption or access restriction mechanisms. The install.lst file serves as a persistent storage location for installation parameters including administrative passwords, which are stored without any form of cryptographic protection or access controls. This plaintext storage approach directly enables local privilege escalation attacks where malicious users can simply read the file to obtain administrative credentials and subsequently assume full system control. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level where file permissions are not properly enforced, allowing unauthorized local access to sensitive installation data. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as it provides attackers with legitimate administrative credentials that can be used to bypass authentication mechanisms and maintain persistent access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications for database environments and enterprise systems. Local users with minimal privileges can immediately escalate to administrative level access, potentially compromising entire database instances and all associated data. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users share the same system or where physical access to the server is possible, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors. The exposure of administrative credentials through plaintext storage creates a persistent threat that remains active until the system is properly secured or the vulnerable installation is removed. Organizations implementing Oracle HTML DB in this vulnerable configuration face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also impacts the overall security posture of enterprise environments by providing attackers with ready access to administrative accounts that could be used to pivot to other systems or escalate attacks to network-wide compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary immediate action involves removing the vulnerable installation and reinstalling Oracle HTML DB using proper security configurations that prevent plaintext credential storage. Organizations should implement strict file permission controls on installation directories and ensure that sensitive files are only accessible to authorized administrative users. The system should be configured to use encrypted storage mechanisms for all authentication credentials and sensitive data. Security best practices recommend implementing role-based access controls and ensuring that installation files are not accessible to non-administrative users. Regular security audits should verify that no plaintext credentials exist in installation files or configuration directories. Additionally, organizations should establish secure installation procedures that automatically encrypt or properly secure sensitive data during the deployment process, preventing similar vulnerabilities from reoccurring in future installations. This vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper credential management during software installation processes, aligning with industry standards that require protection of sensitive data at all stages of system deployment and operation.