CVE-2007-2120 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Oracle Discoverer servlet in Oracle Application Server 9.0.4.3, 10.1.2.0.2, and 10.1.2.2.0 allows remote attackers to shut down an Oracle TNS Listener via a TNS STOP commmand in a request that uses the database/TNS alias, aka AS01.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2120 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle Application Server versions 9.0.4.3, 10.1.2.0.2, and 10.1.2.2.0 that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized shutdown commands against Oracle TNS listeners. This vulnerability specifically affects the Oracle Discoverer servlet component within the Oracle Application Server ecosystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt database communication services without proper authentication or authorization. The flaw operates through a carefully crafted request that leverages the database/TNS alias to transmit a TNS STOP command, effectively allowing attackers to terminate database listener processes remotely.
This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the Oracle Discoverer servlet implementation. The vulnerability manifests when the servlet processes incoming requests containing TNS commands without adequate sanitization or authentication checks. Attackers can exploit this by constructing malicious requests that include the TNS STOP command within the database/TNS alias parameter, thereby bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized operations on critical database services. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, specifically targeting the lack of proper authorization mechanisms for critical system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential data integrity and availability concerns. When an attacker successfully executes a TNS STOP command against a listener, they can effectively terminate database connectivity, leading to application downtime and potential data access interruptions. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499, which covers network denial of service attacks, and can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where database connectivity is fundamental to business operations. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, potentially causing cascading failures across interconnected systems that depend on the affected database listener services.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying Oracle security patches and updates, configuring proper network access controls to restrict access to the Oracle Discoverer servlet, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious TNS command patterns. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be enforced to limit access to Oracle Application Server components from untrusted networks. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary TNS listener functionality and implementing robust logging mechanisms to track and analyze potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in enterprise application servers, serving as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security hardening practices that address both application-level and network-level vulnerabilities.