CVE-2007-5897 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in MDSYS.SDO_CS in Oracle Database Server 8iR3, 9iR1, 9iR2 up to 9.2.0.6, and 10gR1 up to 10.1.0.4 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (crash) and execute arbitrary code via the TRANSFORM function. NOTE: this issue might already be covered by CVE-2007-5515, CVE-2007-5509, or CVE-2007-5505, but there are insufficient details to be sure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5897 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Oracle Database Server's MDSYS.SDO_CS component, specifically affecting versions 8iR3 through 9.2.0.6 and 10.1.0.4. This flaw resides in the spatial coordinate system handling functionality that is part of Oracle's Spatial and Graph database capabilities. The vulnerability manifests when the TRANSFORM function is invoked with malformed input parameters, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate memory allocation and execution flow within the database process. The buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking in the spatial data processing routines that handle coordinate system transformations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple major releases of Oracle Database, indicating a widespread issue in the codebase that was not adequately addressed in the affected versions. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to exploit the system's memory management, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting specific input parameters for the TRANSFORM function that cause the application to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries in memory. This type of buffer overflow falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and also aligns with CWE-122, heap-based buffer overflow patterns. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution, meaning an attacker could potentially inject and run malicious code within the database server environment. The TRANSFORM function is commonly used in spatial database operations for converting coordinates between different reference systems, making this attack vector particularly insidious as it could be triggered during routine database operations. The memory corruption occurs when the SDO_CS component processes spatial data that exceeds the expected buffer size, leading to overwrite of adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise and potential data exfiltration. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the Oracle Database process to crash, resulting in service disruption that affects all database operations. However, the more severe consequence involves code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment and potentially move laterally to other systems. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1499 for network denial of service. The attack surface is broad since the TRANSFORM function is frequently used in spatial data applications, making the exploitation vector accessible to various types of database applications and services that rely on Oracle's spatial capabilities.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the security patches provided by Oracle, which address the buffer overflow in the SDO_CS component. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the appropriate database patches and implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers. Database administrators should also conduct thorough review of database access controls and monitor for unusual spatial data processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary spatial functions when possible, implementing strict input validation for all spatial data operations, and conducting regular security assessments of database configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies for database environments, particularly those handling sensitive spatial data. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous usage patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts.