CVE-2007-4393 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The installation script for orarun on SUSE Linux before 20070810 places the oracle user into the disk group, which allows the local oracle user to read or write raw disk partitions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4393 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in the Oracle database installation process on SUSE Linux systems. This issue stems from the improper configuration of system permissions during the orarun installation script execution, which creates a dangerous security boundary violation. The vulnerability affects SUSE Linux distributions released prior to August 10, 2007, and specifically targets the Oracle database installation procedure where the installation script fails to properly manage user group memberships.
The technical flaw manifests when the orarun installation script automatically adds the oracle user account to the disk group without proper authorization checks or security considerations. This configuration allows the oracle user, who typically operates with limited privileges, to gain elevated access to raw disk partitions through the disk group membership. The vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates an unintended escalation path for local attackers who can leverage this membership to bypass normal file system access controls. This flaw operates under CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and represents a classic case of insecure default configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data compromise and system integrity violations. Once the oracle user gains access to raw disk partitions, they can read or write directly to the underlying storage devices, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, corruption, or the installation of malicious code at the system level. This capability undermines the fundamental security model of database installations and creates opportunities for attackers to move laterally within the system or escalate privileges to root level access. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system-level weaknesses, and T1078, which addresses legitimate credentials use for persistence and privilege escalation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to address the security risk. The primary remediation involves updating the SUSE Linux distribution to a version released after August 10, 2007, which contains the patched orarun installation script. Additionally, system administrators should manually verify and correct the oracle user's group memberships to ensure that the oracle user is not inadvertently granted disk group access. Security hardening procedures should include regular audits of user permissions and group memberships to prevent similar misconfigurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege management and the need for security-conscious default configurations in enterprise software installations. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to critical system permissions and user group memberships.