CVE-2002-0695 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Transact-SQL (T-SQL) OpenRowSet component of Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.5 through 2.7 for SQL Server 7.0 or 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a query that calls the OpenRowSet command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0695 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Transact-SQL OpenRowSet component of Microsoft Data Access Components MDAC versions 2.5 through 2.7. This vulnerability specifically affects SQL Server 7.0 and 2000 systems, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The flaw exists in the way the OpenRowSet function processes input parameters, particularly when handling user-supplied data in database queries, making it a prime target for exploitation in database-related attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the MDAC component that handles OpenRowSet operations. When a malicious user submits a specially crafted query containing an OpenRowSet command with oversized input parameters, the system fails to properly validate the length of the input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling code execution with the privileges of the affected service account. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.002 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise entire database servers and potentially gain access to sensitive data stored within SQL Server environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised systems. The vulnerability affects organizations running legacy SQL Server 7.0 and 2000 installations that have not been properly updated with security patches, creating a substantial risk for enterprises maintaining older database infrastructure. The remote exploit capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where database servers are accessible from external networks.
Organizations facing this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through Microsoft security updates and patches specifically addressing MDAC versions 2.5 through 2.7. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to SQL Server instances from untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts and regularly reviewing access controls can help minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database components and the risks associated with running unsupported legacy software versions in production environments.