CVE-2007-3854 in PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Oracle Database 9.0.1.5+, 9.2.0.7, and 10.1.0.5 allow remote authenticated users to have unknown impact via (1) SYS.DBMS_PRVTAQIS in the Advanced Queuing component (DB02) and (2) MDSYS.MD in the Spatial component (DB12). NOTE: Oracle has not disputed reliable researcher claims that DB02 is for SQL injection and DB12 is for a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3854 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple versions of Oracle Database software including 9.0.1.5 and later, 9.2.0.7, and 10.1.0.5. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors within Oracle's database components, specifically targeting the Advanced Queuing and Spatial components. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within these specialized database modules, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit. These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they affect core database functionality and can be leveraged by authenticated remote attackers who possess valid database credentials. The lack of specific impact details in the initial description suggests that Oracle was unable to definitively categorize the severity implications until further analysis was conducted by security researchers.
The first vulnerable component relates to SYS.DBMS_PRVTAQIS within the Advanced Queuing component designated as DB02. Researcher analysis has confirmed this particular vulnerability enables SQL injection attacks, where malicious input can be executed within the database context without proper sanitization. This aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and represents a serious threat to data integrity and confidentiality. The second vulnerable component involves MDSYS.MD within the Spatial component labeled as DB12, which has been identified as a buffer overflow vulnerability. This type of flaw falls under CWE-121 and CWE-122 categories, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory regions and potentially execute arbitrary code. The buffer overflow in the spatial component suggests that uncontrolled data input could corrupt memory structures, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3854 extends beyond simple data theft or corruption, as these vulnerabilities can enable attackers to gain elevated privileges within the database environment. The authenticated nature of the attack means that only users with valid database accounts need to be compromised, making these vulnerabilities particularly dangerous in environments where database access is widely distributed. Attackers exploiting the SQL injection vulnerability in DB02 could potentially extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain access to underlying operating system resources through database links. The buffer overflow in DB12 presents additional risks including system crashes, denial of service conditions, and potential code execution that could allow attackers to establish persistent access. These vulnerabilities directly impact the fundamental security principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability as defined by the CIA triad.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3854 should focus on immediate patch management and access control enhancements. Organizations must prioritize applying Oracle's security patches that address these specific vulnerabilities in the Advanced Queuing and Spatial components. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Database administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of database activities, particularly focusing on unusual SQL execution patterns that might indicate SQL injection attempts. The buffer overflow vulnerability requires careful attention to input validation procedures and memory management practices within database applications. Security teams should also consider implementing database firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious database activity patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that mitigation measures remain effective against evolving attack techniques. The ATT&CK framework categorizes these vulnerabilities under database-specific attack patterns, emphasizing the need for specialized defensive measures that address the unique security challenges presented by database environments.