CVE-2002-0642 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
The registry key containing the SQL Server service account information in Microsoft SQL Server 2000, including Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) 2000, has insecure permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges, aka "Incorrect Permission on SQL Server Service Account Registry Key."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0642 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and MSDE 2000 installations. This issue stems from the improper configuration of registry permissions that control access to the SQL Server service account information. The registry key in question contains sensitive authentication credentials and service account details that are essential for SQL Server operation. When these registry keys are improperly configured, they allow local users to access and potentially modify service account information, creating a significant security risk for database environments.
The technical flaw manifests through insecure permissions on registry keys that store SQL Server service account credentials. This vulnerability specifically affects the Windows registry entries that contain the service account information used by SQL Server to authenticate and operate within the system. The insecure permissions allow any local user to read or modify these registry entries, which can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation. The flaw is categorized under CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions on resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves privilege escalation through local system access. When local users can access these registry keys, they can potentially modify the service account credentials, allowing them to escalate their privileges to the level of the SQL Server service account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications for database environments. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges that may allow them to access sensitive database information, modify data, or even take control of the entire SQL Server instance. This risk is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where multiple local accounts exist on the system. The vulnerability affects not just SQL Server 2000 but also MSDE 2000, which is a desktop database engine that shares the same registry configuration issues. This widespread impact means that organizations running either of these products are potentially at risk, regardless of whether they are using the full SQL Server product or the desktop engine version.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires local system access, but the implications are severe enough that organizations should treat this as a critical security concern. The registry key permissions can be modified to allow specific user groups or even all users to access the service account information, making the vulnerability accessible to any local user on the system. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability was particularly significant in the context of the time period when it was discovered, as SQL Server 2000 was widely deployed in enterprise environments. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper registry permissions that restrict access to only authorized administrative users, applying security patches from Microsoft, and conducting regular security audits to ensure that registry keys containing service account information maintain appropriate access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as privilege separation and monitoring for unauthorized registry access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control configuration in database server environments and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues can lead to significant security breaches.