CVE-2002-0623 in Commerce Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in AuthFilter ISAPI filter on Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 and 2002 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long authentication data, aka "New Variant of the ISAPI Filter Buffer Overrun".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0623 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the AuthFilter ISAPI filter component of Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 and 2002 products. This security weakness resides in the authentication processing mechanism that handles user credentials and session data within the internet information services environment. The flaw specifically manifests when the ISAPI filter receives excessively long authentication data inputs that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating conditions where malicious actors can manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the AuthFilter module. When user authentication requests contain authentication data exceeding the predetermined buffer limits, the system fails to properly handle the overflow condition, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow, inject malicious code, or manipulate system behavior through carefully crafted authentication payloads. The vulnerability operates at the ISAPI filter level, which means it affects the core authentication infrastructure of the commerce server platform and can potentially compromise the entire web application stack.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to organizations utilizing Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 or 2002, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive commerce data. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges, execute malicious commands, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected systems. The remote exploitation capability means that adversaries do not require local access to the target systems, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for internet-facing commerce platforms. Additionally, the attack could potentially disrupt business operations by compromising the integrity and availability of online transaction processing systems.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command injection. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches, implementing input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in server-side applications and highlights the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in enterprise commerce platforms. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts and establish robust incident response procedures to address potential compromises.