CVE-2000-0654 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Enterprise Manager allows local users to obtain database passwords via the Data Transformation Service (DTS) package Registered Servers Dialog dialog, aka a variant of the "DTS Password" vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0654 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Enterprise Manager that exposes database credentials through improper access controls within the Data Transformation Services package functionality. This vulnerability specifically affects the Registered Servers Dialog interface where database passwords are stored in plain text format, creating an exploitable condition for local attackers who can access these credentials without proper authentication. The flaw exists in the way Microsoft Enterprise Manager handles password storage and retrieval within DTS packages, particularly when managing multiple server connections through the Registered Servers functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate privilege separation mechanisms that allow unauthorized local users to bypass normal authentication procedures and extract sensitive database authentication information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the DTS package management system where database connection strings containing passwords are stored in a manner that does not adequately protect these credentials from local access. When users configure server connections through the Registered Servers Dialog, the system stores authentication parameters including passwords in a location that lacks proper access controls or encryption mechanisms. This creates a situation where local users with minimal privileges can directly access these stored credentials, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that should protect database authentication information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-255 Credential Management Issues, specifically addressing weaknesses in how authentication credentials are handled and stored within applications. The flaw demonstrates a clear failure in the principle of least privilege and proper credential handling practices that should be implemented according to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0654 is significant as it provides local attackers with direct access to database passwords, potentially enabling them to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have local system access to perform lateral movement within network environments where Microsoft Enterprise Manager is deployed, allowing them to compromise database systems that may contain confidential information. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it an attractive target for both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained initial access to systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 Credential Access: Credentials from Password Stores, demonstrating how stored credentials can be extracted and used for further compromise. Organizations running affected versions of Microsoft Enterprise Manager are exposed to potential data breaches, unauthorized database access, and potential regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0654 should focus on immediate patch deployment from Microsoft as the primary remediation measure, along with implementation of additional security controls to limit local access privileges. System administrators should ensure that Microsoft Enterprise Manager installations are updated to versions that properly address the credential storage vulnerability, while also implementing network segmentation to limit local access to systems running the affected software. Access controls should be strengthened through proper user privilege management, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to systems containing sensitive database credentials. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to credential storage locations and establish regular security audits to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper credential management practices and adherence to security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasizes the protection of credentials and the implementation of least privilege access controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information.