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Oracle9i Database contains remotely exploitable buffer overflow in "TO_TIMESTAMP_TZ" function

Vulnerability Note VU#840666

Original Release Date: 2003-02-18 | Last Revised: 2003-02-19

Overview

A remotely exploitable buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Oracle9i Database.

Description

A buffer overflow vulnerability exists on all platforms in the following versions of Oracle9i Database:

    • Oracle9i Database Release 2
    • 9i Release 1
    • 8i
    • 8.1.7
    • 8.0.6
A buffer overflow exists in TO_TIMESTAMP_TZ (a function responsible for handling timezone-related calculations). By supplying an overly long character string to the function, a remote attacker can overwrite a return address on the Oracle process stack, resulting in the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the vulnerable process. This process typically runs as "Oracle" on Linux and UNIX hosts and as "Local System" on Windows systems. Oracle has published Oracle Security Alert #50 regarding this issue. Patches for this vulnerability are available from Metalink (the Oracle Worldwide Support Services web site).

Impact

A remote attacker can overwrite a return address on the Oracle process stack, resulting in the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the vulnerable process. This process typically runs as "Oracle" on Linux and UNIX hosts and as "Local System" on Windows systems.

Solution

Oracle has published Oracle Security Alert #50 regarding this issue. Patches for this vulnerability are available from Metalink (the Oracle Worldwide Support Services web site).

Workarounds

Until a patch can be applied, the CERT/CC recommends that vulnerable sites

    • disable unnecessary Oracle services
    • run Oracle services with the least privilege
    • restrict network access to Oracle services

Vendor Information

840666
 
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Oracle Corporation Affected

Updated:  February 17, 2003

Status

Affected

Vendor Statement

See http://otn.oracle.com/deploy/security/pdf/2003alert50.pdf.

Vendor Information

The vendor has not provided us with any further information regarding this vulnerability.

Addendum

The CERT/CC has no additional comments at this time.

If you have feedback, comments, or additional information about this vulnerability, please send us email.


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References

Acknowledgements

This vulnerability was discovered by Mark Litchfield (mark@ngssoftware.com) of Next Generation Security Software Ltd. The CERT/CC thanks both Next Generation Security Software Ltd and Oracle for providing information upon which this document is based.

This document was written by Ian A Finlay.

Other Information

CVE IDs: None
Severity Metric: 27.00
Date Public: 2003-02-11
Date First Published: 2003-02-18
Date Last Updated: 2003-02-19 15:43 UTC
Document Revision: 5

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