-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- ISS Security Advisory May 6, 1999 Multiple File System Vulnerabilities in Oracle 8 Synopsis: Internet Security Systems (ISS) X-Force has discovered that multiple vulnerabilities exist in Oracle 8 that may allow local attackers to exploit weaknesses in Oracle administrative tools. Oracle is the market leader in enterprise database solutions. Attackers may use these vulnerabilities to amplify their privilege to that of the 'oracle' user. By default, the oracle user controls the entire Oracle database system. Attackers may launch local denial of service attacks against the database as well as alter or manipulate data. Affected Versions: ISS X-Force has determined that most current versions of Oracle 8 for Unix are vulnerable. These versions include 8.03, 8.04, 8.05, and 8.15. Oracle 8 for Windows NT is not affected by these vulnerabilities. Description: The Oracle 8 distribution is shipped with many administrative utilities that are owned by the oracle user with the setuid bit enabled. Several of these utilities implement insecure file creation and manipulation. These utilities also trust Oracle-related environment variables. The combined effect of these vulnerabilities may allow local attackers to create, append to, or overwrite privileged oracle files. Certain vulnerabilities exist that may allow local attackers to execute arbitrary commands as the oracle user. Attackers may also be able to permanently elevate their privilege to that of the oracle user. Temporary files that follow symbolic links are a common source of vulnerabilities in setuid executables. Administrators should remove or restrict access to setuid executables if possible. Developers of setuid programs need to take special precautions to prevent the introduction of vulnerabilities of this nature. ISS X-Force recommends that all Unix developers become familiar with Matt Bishop's secure programming guide, available at http://olympus.cs.ucdavis.edu/~bishop/secprog.html Fix Information: ISS X-Force has worked with Oracle to provide a patch for the vulnerabilities described in this advisory. Oracle has provided the following FAQ to answer any questions concerning these vulnerabilities. Q: I've heard about a setuid security issue with the Oracle database? What is this all about? A: On Unix platforms, some executable files have the setuid bit on. It may be possible for a very knowledgeable user to use these executables to bypass your system security by elevating their operating system privileges to that of the Oracle user. Q: Which releases are affected by this problem? A: This problem affects Oracle data server releases 8.03, 8.0.4, 8.0.5, and 8.1.5 on Unix platforms only. Q: Can I correct this problem or do I need a patch? A: This problem can easily be corrected. The customer can download the patch from the Oracle MetaLink webpages at http://www.oracle.com/support/elec_sup. The patch is a Unix shell script. This shell script should be run immediately, and also run after each relink of Oracle. Q: What is Oracle doing to fix this problem? A: Effective immediately, Oracle will provide the patch on Oracle's Worldwide Support Web pages. Oracle will ensure the patches are incorporated into future releases of Oracle8i (8.1.6) and Oracle8.0 (8.0.6) Q: What is Oracle doing to notify users about this problem now? A: Oracle is notifying all supported customers, via the Oracle Worldwide Support Web pages, of this issue so they can address it as required. ISS X-Force also recommends that all administrators complete a proactive survey on the use or potential misuse of setuid bits on privileged executables on their systems. Credits: These vulnerabilities were primarily researched by Dan Ingevaldson of the ISS X-Force. ________ Copyright (c) 1999 by Internet Security Systems, Inc. Permission is hereby granted for the electronic redistribution of this Security Alert. It is not to be edited in any way without express consent of the X-Force. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this Alert Summary in any other medium excluding electronic medium, please e-mail xforceat_private for permission. About ISS ISS is the pioneer and leading provider of adaptive network security software delivering enterprise-wide information protection solutions. ISS' award-winning SAFEsuite family of products enables information risk management within intranet, extranet and electronic commerce environments. By combining proactive vulnerability detection with real-time intrusion detection and response, ISS' adaptive security approach creates a flexible cycle of continuous security improvement, including security policy implementation and enforcement. ISS SAFEsuite solutions strengthen the security of existing systems and have dramatically improved the security posture for organizations worldwide, making ISS a trusted security advisor for firms in the Global 2000, 21 of the 25 largest U.S. commercial banks and over 35 governmental agencies. For more information, call ISS at 678-443-6000 or 800-776-2362 or visit the ISS Web site at www.iss.net. Disclaimer The information within this paper may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties with regard to this information. In no event shall the author be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information. Any use of this information is at the user's own risk. X-Force PGP Key available at: http://www.iss.net/xforce/sensitive.html as well as on MIT's PGP key server and PGP.com's key server. Please send suggestions, updates, and comments to: X-Force <xforceat_private> of Internet Security Systems, Inc. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: 2.6.3a Charset: noconv iQCVAwUBNzLwJzRfJiV99eG9AQFDHwP/U4iParVoaPwPea8i+mXciMELGUDga2UM Iyk6T6poQ9G3ASefs+v6Lm509xDeGCcPTi1MB7SvzUBb1vx95yOhu4M9CJHWOTCJ 3/ZlpV1Zdc7s/+N0ACxFNPozOmQvpT3OhbJKOakNQxDg3q/VbVXcJOxJ0DBKy7Xe d0ehW7p2OqQ= =6FXz -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
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