CVE-2002-0050 in Commerce Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in AuthFilter ISAPI filter on Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long authentication data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0050 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the AuthFilter ISAPI filter component of Microsoft Commerce Server 2000. This security weakness arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long authentication data sequences. The flaw exists at the intersection of web application security and input sanitization, where the ISAPI filter responsible for authentication processing does not adequately check the length of incoming authentication parameters before processing them. This oversight creates a condition where malicious actors can craft specially formatted authentication requests containing oversized data payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space within the application's memory management structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the AuthFilter ISAPI module's authentication handling routines. When the filter receives authentication data exceeding its predetermined buffer limits, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program execution structures. This buffer overflow condition enables attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other control data within the stack memory. The vulnerability specifically affects the Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 platform, which was widely deployed in enterprise e-commerce environments during the early 2000s, making it a significant target for exploitation in web application attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise potential. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this buffer overflow can gain unauthorized access to the affected server and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This privilege escalation capability typically results in full system control, enabling attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the target network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations running Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 were particularly vulnerable as this platform was commonly used for handling sensitive customer transactions and personal information.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The exploitation of this flaw requires attackers to craft specific payloads that exceed buffer boundaries while maintaining executable code within the overflowed memory regions. Mitigation strategies include applying Microsoft security patches released in response to this vulnerability, implementing proper input validation controls, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious authentication requests. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular security assessments to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in web application security, serving as a reminder of the long-term consequences of inadequate bounds checking mechanisms in enterprise software platforms.