CVE-2002-0624 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the password encryption function of Microsoft SQL Server 2000, including Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) 2000, allows remote attackers to gain control of the database and execute arbitrary code via SQL Server Authentication, aka "Unchecked Buffer in Password Encryption Procedure."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Microsoft SQL Server 2000's password encryption mechanism, specifically affecting both the full SQL Server 2000 implementation and its lightweight Desktop Engine variant. The issue stems from inadequate input validation within the password encryption procedure that processes authentication credentials during SQL Server Authentication mode. When an attacker submits a specially crafted password exceeding the allocated buffer size, the overflow occurs in the encryption function's memory allocation, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the SQL Server service account.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental flaw in how Microsoft SQL Server 2000 handles password input validation during the authentication process. The buffer overflow occurs in the password encryption routine where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be strategically manipulated to overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems using SQL Server Authentication mode, as Windows Authentication bypasses this particular code path. Attackers typically exploit this by crafting malicious SQL login requests with oversized password parameters, triggering the buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to database security infrastructure as it allows remote code execution without requiring prior authentication credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SQL Server 2000 was widely deployed in enterprise environments, making numerous systems vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow categories, representing classic memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation techniques, as attackers can leverage the buffer overflow to execute malicious commands and elevate their privileges within the database environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official Microsoft security patch released for this vulnerability, which addresses the buffer overflow in the password encryption function. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to SQL Server ports, particularly port 1433, limiting exposure to unauthorized networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring SQL Server service accounts operate with minimal required permissions. Additionally, monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous authentication patterns or unusually large password submissions that might indicate exploitation attempts. Database administrators should also consider disabling SQL Server Authentication mode if Windows Authentication is sufficient for their environment, as this removes the attack surface associated with this specific vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar buffer overflow conditions in legacy systems.