Home > Oracle Database / Applications News > Oracle security guru Peter Finnigan on the problem with PL/SQL
Oracle Database / Applications News:
EMAIL THIS

Oracle security guru Peter Finnigan on the problem with PL/SQL

By Mark Brunelli, News Editor
07 Sep 2006 | SearchOracle.com

Oracle tips, scripts, and expert advice
Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google

The protective wrapping around the programming language used to write procedures and commands in the Oracle Corp. database -- PL/SQL -- isn't as ironclad as some might expect, says Pete Finnigan, a well known Oracle database security guru and blogger. In fact, says Finnigan, who also serves as principal consultant and head of database security with Siemens Insight, it can be unraveled to give hackers access to sensitive data. In this SearchOracle.com podcast interview, Finnigan explains the exact nature of this problem and tells DBAs what they can do to protect their systems.

  Oracle security guru Peter Finnigan on the problem with PL/SQL 

  Program highlights: 

  • (00:38) Can you give us a brief overview of the nature of this PL/SQL security problem as you see it?

  • (03:42) It sounds like a design problem rather than something that can be easily patched. Is this true?

  • (04:57) What is the worst case scenario that could result from these problems?

  • (06:20) Have you seen examples of folks exploiting these problems?

  • (09:18) Oracle's quarterly critical patch updates have been the subject of much criticism of late. What exactly is the problem here and what do you think the company needs to do to fix it?

  • (12:00) Oracle has had a reputation for solid security in the past. Is this still true today?

  • (13:45) What are some of the biggest security problems facing Oracle DBAs today, and what problems do you see on the horizon?

      Program Links: 

  • Oracle expert warns of weakness in PL/SQL: A well-known Oracle bug hunter says the wrapping mechanism used for PL/SQL -- the flagship language used in Oracle databases -- can be unraveled, exposing sensitive data.

  • Spotlight on Oracle security: A new one stop shop for Oracle security information.

  • Mr. Know-IT-All's Oracle Security Challenge: Let's find out how much you really know about Oracle security.



    Tags: Oracle database availabilityOracle database backup and recoveryOracle database design and architectureOracle error messagesOracle database installation, upgrades and patchesOracle database export, import and migrationOracle database performance problems and tuningOracle RAC and database clusteringOracle database securityUsing Oracle PL/SQLOracle stored proceduresVIEW ALL TAGS

    Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google


    RELATED CONTENT
    Oracle database availability
    Firm dumps MySQL on Red Hat for Oracle Database on Oracle Linux
    Data modeling tools no substitute for hard work
    Oracle RMAN case study: Improving backup and recovery efficiency
    Oracle and the rise of the virtual machine
    Using connection load balancing with Oracle RAC
    Grid computing adoption slow amid fears of complexity
    DBA 102: Beyond the basics
    Difference between Oracle RAC and Data Guard
    Author Mike Ault sizes up the new Oracle Database 11g
    Oracle UDP protocol or Veritas LLT for interconnect traffic?
    Oracle database availability Research

    Oracle database backup and recovery
    How to export triggers in an Oracle export command
    How to precreate Oracle table extents and define extent size
    How to trim the Oracle listener log in Unix/Linux
    How to avoid invalid objects in Oracle when restoring the database
    How to perform an Oracle 9i upgrade with the Database Upgrade Assistant
    How to avoid Oracle error ORA-00060 when dropping a datafile in Oracle 10g
    How to precreate tablespaces in Oracle before a new database import
    How to use Transportable Tablespaces in Oracle to copy files quickly
    How to solve an Oracle import error
    Exadata: A first look at Oracle's entry into the appliance market
    Oracle database backup and recovery Research

    Oracle database design and architecture
    Can I download DBCA for Oracle Express Edition?
    How to recreate an Oracle index in a new schema with the CREATE command
    Using Oracle Universal Installer to install Oracle with Pro*C
    Defining Oracle database repository vs. information repository
    Can I create multiple schemas in Oracle for one user?
    ORA-12514 error when connecting to the Oracle database through Toad
    Solving the ORA-00904 error: invalid identifier in Oracle
    How to tune SQL UPDATE statements for an Oracle 10g upgrade
    Will queries run slower in a smaller Oracle buffer cache?
    Using a database link to connect two Oracle apps instances

    RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
    Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
    E. F. Codd  (SearchOracle.com)
    extent  (SearchOracle.com)
    flexfield  (SearchOracle.com)
    foreign key  (SearchOracle.com)
    multidimensional database  (SearchOracle.com)
    object-oriented database management system  (SearchOracle.com)
    quad tree  (SearchOracle.com)
    relational online analytical processing  (SearchOracle.com)
    row  (SearchOracle.com)
    splay tree  (SearchOracle.com)

    RELATED RESOURCES
    2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
    Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
    Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary



  • Oracle News, Oracle Training, Oracle Management
    HomeNewsTopicsTipsAsk the ExpertsMultimediaWhite PapersProductsBlogs
    About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
    SEARCH 
    TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

    TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




    All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
      TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts