CVE-2008-1820 in Database 10g
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Data Pump component in Oracle Database 9.2.0.8, 10.1.0.5, 10.2.0.3, and 11.1.0.6 has unknown impact and remote attack vectors related to KUPF$FILE_INT, aka DB11. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the April 2008 CPU. Oracle has not commented on reliable researcher claims that DB11 is for a buffer overflow in the SYS.KUPF$FILE_INT.GET_FULL_FILENAME procedure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1820 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Database's Data Pump component, specifically affecting versions 9.2.0.8, 10.1.0.5, 10.2.0.3, and 11.1.0.6. This issue is categorized under the broader context of database security vulnerabilities that can potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of enterprise data systems. The vulnerability resides within the KUPF$FILE_INT package, particularly in the SYS.KUPF$FILE_INT.GET_FULL_FILENAME procedure, which is part of Oracle's Data Pump functionality used for importing and exporting database objects. The ambiguity in the initial description suggests that the vulnerability may have been initially classified without full disclosure of its specific technical characteristics, which is common in the early stages of vulnerability reporting. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core database engine components that are fundamental to database operations and data management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a buffer overflow condition within the GET_FULL_FILENAME procedure of the KUPF$FILE_INT package, which is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow. This flaw occurs when the procedure processes input parameters without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer space. The buffer overflow vulnerability specifically affects how the database handles file path names during Data Pump operations, potentially allowing malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely, meaning that an unauthenticated attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on the target database server. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise, making it a significant concern for enterprise database environments where Oracle Database is extensively deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1820 extends beyond simple database corruption or denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise networks. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information, manipulate data, or even take complete control of the database server. The remote attack capability means that this vulnerability can be exploited from outside the corporate network, potentially affecting organizations with publicly accessible database servers or those with inadequate network segmentation. The Data Pump component is frequently used for database migrations, backups, and data transfers, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous during routine database operations. Organizations using affected Oracle Database versions may experience unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, leading to potential compliance violations and significant financial losses. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely fall under T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers would need to leverage legitimate database access for exploitation, and T1046 for Network Service Scanning to identify vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1820 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Oracle Database versions, as Oracle released security patches specifically addressing this vulnerability in their subsequent CPU updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers and ensure that only authorized personnel can perform Data Pump operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting database user permissions and limiting access to the KUPF$FILE_INT package. Database administrators should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of Data Pump operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional security measures include disabling unnecessary database features, implementing proper input validation procedures, and conducting regular security assessments of database configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following Oracle's recommended security practices for database administration. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the database infrastructure, ensuring that the organization maintains a robust security posture against known and emerging threats.