CVE-2002-0700 in Content Management Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in a system function that performs user authentication for Microsoft Content Management Server (MCMS) 2001 allows attackers to execute code in the Local System context by authenticating to a web page that calls the function, aka "Unchecked Buffer in MDAC Function Could Enable SQL Server Compromise."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0700 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Microsoft Content Management Server 2001 authentication mechanism. This issue resides in a system function that handles user authentication processes, specifically affecting the Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) functionality. The vulnerability manifests when users authenticate to web pages that invoke the affected function, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with Local System privileges, effectively granting them complete control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the authentication function that processes user credentials. When authentication requests are submitted through web interfaces calling the vulnerable MDAC function, insufficient bounds checking occurs on user-supplied data. This unchecked buffer manipulation enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically targets the buffer management within the MDAC components, which are fundamental to database connectivity and data access operations in Microsoft environments. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with Local System context execution capabilities that are among the most privileged levels available on Windows systems. This elevated privilege level allows successful exploitation to bypass most standard security controls and access sensitive system resources, including registry entries, file systems, and network communications. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication to a web page, making it accessible to users who might not have direct network access to the server. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Content Management Server 2001 installations, which were widely deployed for web content management and publishing services, amplifying the potential impact across enterprise environments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and command execution, specifically leveraging the T1068 privilege escalation tactic and T1059 command and scripting interpreter techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0700 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft security updates, as the vendor provided remediation for this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to MCMS 2001 web interfaces and restrict authentication endpoints to trusted networks. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary authentication functions, implementing input validation controls at the application layer, and conducting thorough security testing of web applications that utilize MDAC components. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining updated security patches and following secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflows through proper bounds checking and memory management. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting the execution of potentially vulnerable components to minimize the attack surface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in legacy systems that may be susceptible to comparable buffer overflow exploits.