CVE-2000-0012 in mSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in w3-msql CGI program in miniSQL package allows remote attackers to execute commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0012 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the w3-msql CGI program that is part of the miniSQL package. This issue resides in the handling of input data within a web-based interface designed to interact with miniSQL database systems. The buffer overflow occurs when the CGI program processes user-supplied data without adequate bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The miniSQL package was commonly used in web environments for database operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through web interfaces without requiring local system access.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where data is written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the w3-msql CGI component that handles database queries and user inputs through web forms. When an attacker submits maliciously crafted input data through the web interface, the program fails to validate the input length against the buffer size, causing a buffer overflow that can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0012 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to affected systems. This vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where web servers are publicly accessible. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests containing overly long input strings that trigger the buffer overflow condition. Once successfully exploited, attackers can execute commands with elevated privileges, potentially gaining complete control over the affected server. The vulnerability also fits within ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for remote command execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected miniSQL package installations, as the original developers released fixes for this specific buffer overflow issue. System administrators should implement input validation measures to prevent overly long inputs from reaching the vulnerable CGI program, though this approach is less reliable than proper patching. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the web application stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in web applications, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding standards and the OWASP Top Ten security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web server processes and regularly updating all web application components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.