News

Buffer Overflow Flaw in Oracle9i Component

Security researcher David Litchfield found a high risk problem in the form of a buffer overflow vulnerability occurring in a software component that ships with the Oracle 9i database on all platforms.

Oracle has a patch available at its Oracle Metalink site (metalink.oracle.com) under issue number 2581911.

The affected component is called Oracle iSQL*Plus. It is a Web-based application allowing users to query the database. Installed with the Oracle 9i database server, iSQL*Plus runs on Apache.

The buffer overrun occurs at the default log-in screen. By supplying an overly long user ID parameter, a user can overrun a buffer and potentially run arbitrary code in the context of the Web server. On Windows systems that security context is as a System user.

Compromising the Web server can give attackers a platform to launch attacks against the database server, according to a bulletin from Litchfield's company, Next Generation Security Software, Ltd.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.

Most   Popular