iDefense Security Advisory 07.15.08
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Jul 15, 2008

I. BACKGROUND

Oracle Database Server is a family of database products that range from
personal databases to enterprise solutions. Further information is
available at the following URL.

http://www.oracle.com/database/index.html

II. DESCRIPTION

Local exploitation of an untrusted library path vulnerability in Oracle
Corp.'s Oracle Database product allows attackers to gain elevated
privileges.

This vulnerability specifically exists in a set-uid root program
distributed with Oracle Database for Linux and Unix platforms. By
replacing a module owned by the oracle user, which is loaded by this
program, an attacker can execute arbitrary code as root.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows the attacker to gain root privilege. In order to
exploit the vulnerability, the attacker must have access to database
owner account, typically "oracle", or be a member of oracle
installation group, typically "oinstall".

IV. DETECTION

iDefense confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in Oracle 11g R1
version 11.1.0.6.0 on 32-bit Linux platform. Previous versions may also
be affected.

V. WORKAROUND

In order to prevent exploitation, administrators can remove the set-uid
bit from the vulnerable program. However, doing so could impair the
functionality of the DBMS_SCHEDULER package.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Oracle Corp. has addressed this vulnerability with the release of their
July 2008 Critical Patch Update. For more information, visit the
following URL.

http://www.oracle.com/technology/deploy/security/critical-patch-updates/cpujul2008.html

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2008-2613 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for
security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

01/25/2008  Initial vendor notification
02/05/2008  Initial vendor response
07/15/2008  Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by Joxean Koret.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.

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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
 There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
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reliance on, this information.