CVE-2000-0161 in Site Server
Summary
by MITRE
Sample web sites on Microsoft Site Server 3.0 Commerce Edition do not validate an identification number, which allows remote attackers to execute SQL commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
Microsoft Site Server 3.0 Commerce Edition contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that stems from insufficient input validation within sample web sites included with the product. This vulnerability resides in the commerce functionality and affects the validation of identification numbers used in database queries. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through improperly sanitized input parameters, potentially enabling unauthorized access to backend databases and execution of arbitrary SQL statements. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL injection, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating identification numbers passed to database queries, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and potentially gaining full database access. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as it could enable data theft, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability affects organizations using Microsoft Site Server 3.0 Commerce Edition, which was widely deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage unpatched web applications to gain initial access. The flaw represents a classic input validation failure where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Organizations running this version of Site Server face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise, as the vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized database access. The impact extends beyond immediate data theft to potential lateral movement within networks, as compromised database systems often contain sensitive information and can serve as entry points for further attacks. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the risks associated with including sample code and demonstration applications in production software distributions, as these components may contain security flaws that can be exploited by attackers. Microsoft addressed this issue through security updates and patches released as part of their regular security bulletin cycle, emphasizing the need for timely patch management and vulnerability remediation. Organizations should implement proper database access controls, utilize parameterized queries, and conduct regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the importance of secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege in database access, as well as the necessity of thorough security testing for all components included in software distributions. This vulnerability serves as a historical example of how seemingly benign sample applications can contain critical security flaws that impact production environments, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security hygiene practices across all software components.