CVE-2000-1081 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
The xp_displayparamstmt function in SQL Server and Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) does not properly restrict the length of a buffer before calling the srv_paraminfo function in the SQL Server API for Extended Stored Procedures (XP), which allows an attacker to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary commands, aka the "Extended Stored Procedure Parameter Parsing" vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The CVE-2000-1081 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Microsoft SQL Server and MSDE implementations that stems from improper input validation within the extended stored procedure framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the xp_displayparamstmt function which serves as an interface for displaying parameter information in extended stored procedures. The flaw occurs when the function fails to properly validate buffer lengths before invoking the srv_paraminfo function from the SQL Server API, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise system integrity.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow scenario where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory structures within the SQL Server process. When the xp_displayparamstmt function processes user-supplied parameters, it does not adequately restrict the maximum length of input data before passing it to the underlying srv_paraminfo API call. This creates a situation where an attacker can craft specially formatted input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-1081 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SQL Server service account, which often runs with elevated system permissions. This could lead to complete database server compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects multiple Microsoft SQL Server versions including 7.0 and 2000, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these systems are commonly deployed. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.002 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables remote code execution through extended stored procedures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators to apply Microsoft security patches and updates. The recommended approach includes deploying the official security update released by Microsoft to address the buffer overflow condition in the extended stored procedure API. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to SQL Server instances, disable unnecessary extended stored procedures, and enforce strict input validation controls. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious extended stored procedure usage and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in database server applications, as outlined in industry best practices for secure coding standards and security frameworks that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent memory corruption vulnerabilities.