CVE-2002-0643 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
The installation of Microsoft Data Engine 1.0 (MSDE 1.0), and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 creates setup.iss files with insecure permissions and does not delete them after installation, which allows local users to obtain sensitive data, including weakly encrypted passwords, to gain privileges, aka "SQL Server Installation Process May Leave Passwords on System."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0643 represents a critical security flaw in the Microsoft Data Engine 1.0 and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 installation processes that persisted for over two decades. This weakness stems from the improper handling of temporary configuration files during the database server installation procedure, creating a persistent security risk that could be exploited by local attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive system information. The issue specifically affects systems where MSDE 1.0 or SQL Server 2000 are installed, particularly in enterprise environments where database administrators might not be vigilant about post-installation security cleanup procedures. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-732, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.002 for Valid Accounts, as it enables unauthorized access through legitimate administrative credentials.
The technical flaw manifests when the installation process generates a setup.iss file containing sensitive information including password hashes and configuration parameters without implementing proper file permissions. This file typically remains accessible to local users with minimal privileges, creating an attack surface that allows adversaries to extract weakly encrypted passwords and other administrative credentials. The setup.iss file contains a wealth of information including database connection strings, administrative account details, and potentially plaintext or weakly encrypted passwords that could be used to gain elevated system access. The insecure permissions are particularly concerning because they allow any local user to read the file contents, effectively providing unauthorized access to administrative credentials that should remain protected within the system's security boundaries. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and violates standard security practices for temporary file handling during installation procedures.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0643 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with the foundation for privilege escalation and persistent access to critical database systems. Local users who can read the setup.iss file can potentially use the extracted credentials to access database servers, modify system configurations, or even establish backdoor access to enterprise networks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where system administrators might not properly secure installation artifacts or where legacy systems continue to operate without modern security hardening. Organizations with SQL Server installations from this era face significant risk, as the compromised credentials could provide access to sensitive corporate data, financial records, or other confidential information that should remain protected. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements for data protection and access control, potentially violating standards such as pci dss, hipaa, and iso 27001.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0643 require immediate action to address existing installations and implement proper security controls for future deployments. Organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their database server installations to identify and remove any remaining setup.iss files from system directories, particularly in the windows directory and temporary folders where these files are commonly created. Security administrators should implement mandatory file permission controls that prevent unauthorized access to installation artifacts and establish automated processes to ensure proper cleanup of temporary files after installation completion. The recommended approach includes setting restrictive permissions on installation directories, implementing file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, and ensuring that legacy systems are properly migrated or isolated from critical network segments. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other legacy software installations, as this type of insecure file handling was common in older Microsoft products and may indicate broader security gaps in system administration practices.