Oracle bfilename function buffer overflow vulnerability (#NISR16022003e)

["NGSSoftware Insight Security Research" <nisr () nextgenss com>]

NGSSoftware Insight Security Research Advisory

Name:    ORACLE bfilename function buffer overflow vulnerability
Systems Affected:  All platforms; Oracle9i Database Release 2, 9i Release 1,
8i, 8.1.7, 8.0.6
Severity:  High Risk
Category: Remote System Buffer Overrun
Vendor URL:   http://www.oracle.com
Author:   David Litchfield (david () ngssoftware com)
Date:   16th February 2003
Advisory number: #NISR16022003e


Description
***********
Oracle's database server contains fuctions for use within queries. The
bfilename() function returns a BFILE locator to a binary large object stored
in the database.

Details
*******
The bfilename() function suffers from a remotely exploitable buffer overrun
when an overly long DIRECTORY parameter is supplied. Before this issue can
be exploited an attacker must be able to log on to the database server with
a valid user ID and password, but as the bfilename() function can be
executed by PUBLIC by default any user of the system can gain control. Any
arbitrary code supplied by an attacker would execute with the same
privileges as the user running the service; this account is typically
"Oracle" on linux/unix based platforms and Local System on Windows based
operating systems such as NT/2000/XP. As such this allows for a complete
compromise of the data stored in the database and possibly a complete
compromise of the operating system.


Fix Information
***************
NGSSoftware alerted Oracle to this vulnerability on 30th September 2002.
Oracle has developed a patch which is available from

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

A check for these issues has been added to NGSSQuirreL for Oracle, a
comprehensive automated vulnerability assessment tool for Oracle Database
Servers of which more information is available from the NGSSite

http://www.ngssoftware.com/software/squirrelfororacle.html

Further Information
*******************
For further information about the scope and effects of buffer overflows,
please see

http://www.ngssoftware.com/papers/non-stack-bo-windows.pdf
http://www.ngssoftware.com/papers/ntbufferoverflow.html
http://www.ngssoftware.com/papers/bufferoverflowpaper.rtf
http://www.ngssoftware.com/papers/unicodebo.pdf

About NGSSoftware
*****************
NGSSoftware design, research and develop intelligent, advanced application
security assessment scanners. Based in the United Kingdom, NGSSoftware have
offices in the South of London and the East Coast of Scotland. NGSSoftware's
sister company NGSConsulting, offers best of breed security consulting
services, specialising in application, host and network security
assessments.

http://www.ngssoftware.com/
http://www.ngsconsulting.com/

Telephone +44 208 401 0070
Fax +44 208 401 0076

enquiries () ngssoftware com