CVE-2001-0879 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the C runtime functions in SQL Server 7.0 and 2000 allows attackers to cause a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0879 represents a critical format string flaw within the C runtime functions of Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 and 2000 database systems. This weakness stems from improper handling of format strings in the application's input processing mechanisms, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation that can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically affects the underlying C runtime libraries that SQL Server utilizes for various string manipulation operations, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a fundamental level of the database engine's functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when SQL Server processes user-supplied input through functions that expect formatted string parameters without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious input sequences that exploit the format string parsing behavior, causing the application to interpret arbitrary memory locations or execute unintended code paths. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 category of format string vulnerability, where the program uses user-supplied data as a format string parameter without proper validation. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the database engine, potentially leading to stack corruption, memory access violations, or complete system crashes.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0879 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can cause SQL Server processes to terminate unexpectedly, leading to service unavailability for legitimate users and applications that depend on database connectivity. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in cascading failures within enterprise environments where database systems serve as critical components for business operations. Organizations may experience significant downtime, data access interruptions, and potential loss of business continuity. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted SQL queries or input parameters that trigger the vulnerable format string processing functions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where external input is not properly filtered or validated.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of security patches provided by Microsoft through their regular security updates. Organizations should prioritize applying the official patches released for SQL Server 7.0 and 2000 to address the underlying format string handling issues. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the attack surface by restricting unauthorized access to database systems. Database administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary database features and functions that might expose vulnerable code paths. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in applications, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and secure coding practices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other database components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar exploitation vectors that could leverage the same underlying architectural flaws.