CVE-2009-1979 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Network Authentication component in Oracle Database 10.1.0.5 and 10.2.0.4 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the October 2009 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from an independent researcher that this is related to improper validation of the AUTH_SESSKEY parameter length that leads to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1979 resides within Oracle Database's Network Authentication component, specifically affecting versions 10.1.0.5 and 10.2.0.4. This unspecified weakness represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to compromise the fundamental security properties of the database system including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though the severity implications are clear from the potential impact vectors described. The vulnerability was initially documented in Oracle's October 2009 Critical Patch Update, suggesting it was part of a coordinated security release addressing multiple database vulnerabilities.
Technical analysis reveals this vulnerability is likely associated with improper validation of the AUTH_SESSKEY parameter length, a critical authentication mechanism within Oracle Database's network security framework. When the AUTH_SESSKEY parameter is not properly validated for length constraints, it creates a potential buffer overflow condition or similar memory corruption vulnerability. This type of flaw typically occurs when input validation is insufficient or absent, allowing attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds expected parameter boundaries. The vulnerability's relationship to AUTH_SESSKEY parameter length validation aligns with common attack patterns targeting authentication systems, where improper input handling can lead to arbitrary code execution. This connection to authentication mechanisms places the vulnerability within the purview of CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of length of input buffers, and CWE-120, which covers buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1979 extends significantly beyond typical database security concerns, as it affects core security properties that are fundamental to database operations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to database resources, manipulate sensitive data, or disrupt database services entirely. The remote attack vector means that adversaries need not be physically present or have network access to the database server, as the vulnerability can be exploited over network connections. The potential for arbitrary code execution through this authentication bypass represents a severe escalation of privileges that could allow attackers to completely compromise database systems and potentially move laterally within network environments. This vulnerability affects database administrators' ability to maintain data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers could potentially modify or exfiltrate sensitive information while remaining undetected within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1979 should prioritize immediate patching through Oracle's official security updates, as the vulnerability represents a known exploit that has been documented by security researchers. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers and employ network monitoring solutions to detect unusual authentication patterns or potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's authentication-related nature suggests that implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication and connection pooling controls could provide additional defense in depth. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Oracle Database versions and ensure that all patches are properly applied according to Oracle's recommended security procedures. Given the potential for remote code execution, organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly identify and respond to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploit for privilege escalation through remote access, making it a critical target for comprehensive security hardening efforts.