Source: cve@mitre.org
SQL injection vulnerability in the query.xsql sample page in Oracle 9i Application Server (9iAS) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the sql parameter.
Oracle 9i Application Server (9iAS) is vulnerable to a critical SQL injection flaw, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server. This vulnerability, exploitable through the query.xsql sample page, grants attackers remote control over the database and potentially the entire server, leading to data breaches and system compromise.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious SQL query and encodes it as the value of the sql parameter in an HTTP GET or POST request to the query.xsql page. The malicious SQL code is designed to perform unauthorized actions, such as retrieving sensitive data or executing system commands.
Step 2: Request Submission: The attacker submits the crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable Oracle 9iAS server.
Step 3: Query Execution: The query.xsql page receives the request and, without proper sanitization, directly incorporates the attacker-supplied sql parameter into a dynamically constructed SQL query.
Step 4: Malicious Code Execution: The database server executes the injected SQL code, treating it as a legitimate part of the query. This allows the attacker's malicious code to run, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification, or system compromise.
Step 5: Result Retrieval (if applicable): Depending on the injected SQL code, the attacker may receive results, such as stolen data, or the attack may be used to establish a foothold for further exploitation.
The root cause of CVE-2002-1631 lies in the query.xsql sample page's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. Specifically, the sql parameter is directly concatenated into the SQL query without any form of input validation or escaping. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code, such as commands to retrieve sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute operating system commands through extended stored procedures or other database features. The lack of input validation creates a direct path for attackers to manipulate the database's behavior, leading to unauthorized access and control. The flaw is a classic example of a SQL injection vulnerability stemming from insufficient input validation and parameterization.
While no specific APTs are definitively linked to this specific CVE, SQL injection is a widely used technique by various threat actors. The impact of this vulnerability aligns with the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of financially motivated cybercriminals and nation-state actors seeking to steal data or establish persistent access. This vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV at the time of this report, but it is a high-impact vulnerability that could be added.
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) configured to detect SQL injection attempts, specifically looking for suspicious keywords and patterns in HTTP requests to the query.xsql page (e.g., SELECT, UNION, OR 1=1, etc.).
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to block SQL injection attacks by inspecting HTTP requests for malicious SQL code.
Log analysis of web server logs (e.g., Apache, IIS) and Oracle database logs, searching for unusual activity, such as unexpected SQL queries, errors, or unauthorized access attempts to sensitive data.
File integrity monitoring to detect changes to critical system files or the addition of new files, which could indicate a successful compromise.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems configured to correlate events from various sources (e.g., web server logs, database logs, network traffic) to identify potential SQL injection attacks and other malicious activities.
Upgrade to a supported version of Oracle Application Server. This is the most effective remediation.
If upgrading is not immediately possible, apply the latest security patches available for Oracle 9iAS. Note that support for 9iAS has likely ended, so patches may not be available.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent SQL injection. This includes sanitizing all user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to separate code from data.
Restrict access to the query.xsql page. If the sample page is not required, remove it from the server.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic and block SQL injection attempts.
Regularly scan the system for vulnerabilities and apply security best practices.
Monitor database activity and logs for suspicious behavior.