CVE-2002-0149 in IIS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ASP Server-Side Include Function in IIS 4.0, 5.0 and 5.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via long file names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0149 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ASP Server-Side Include function of Microsoft Internet Information Services versions 4.0, 5.0, and 5.1. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long file names when processing server-side include directives. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the way IIS processes dynamic content through include statements, creating a potential attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring authentication. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to process file paths that exceed predetermined buffer limits, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for remote code execution or denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory buffers. The attack vector leverages the server-side include functionality commonly used in dynamic web applications to incorporate content from multiple files into a single page. When an attacker submits a specially crafted request containing an excessively long file name parameter, the IIS server fails to properly validate the input length before processing the include directive, resulting in stack-based buffer overflow conditions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any prior access credentials or privileges, making it an attractive target for automated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0149 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to include potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. The vulnerability affects organizations running legacy IIS versions that were prevalent during the early 2000s, creating a significant security risk for web applications that rely on server-side includes for dynamic content generation. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the IIS service account, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability also impacts the availability of web services, as successful exploitation can cause the IIS server to crash or become unresponsive, effectively preventing legitimate users from accessing web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected IIS versions through Microsoft security updates, as the original vulnerability was addressed in subsequent service packs and security releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable IIS servers to untrusted networks. Input validation mechanisms should be enhanced to prevent long file name parameters from reaching the vulnerable include processing functions, with proper length checking and sanitization routines implemented at the application level. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be configured to detect suspicious include requests that exceed normal parameter lengths, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation controls to prevent such attacks.