CVE-2002-0718 in Content Management Server
Summary
by MITRE
Web authoring command in Microsoft Content Management Server (MCMS) 2001 allows attackers to authenticate and upload executable content, by modifying the upload location, aka "Program Execution via MCMS Authoring Function."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0718 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Content Management Server 2001 that fundamentally undermines the integrity of web content authoring processes. This issue arises from improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the MCMS authoring command functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to bypass authentication protocols and execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The vulnerability specifically targets the upload capabilities of the content management system, allowing attackers to manipulate file upload destinations and subsequently deploy malicious executables. The flaw essentially enables an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the server's file system through the legitimate content authoring interface, transforming what should be a controlled administrative function into a potential attack vector for system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating the upload location parameters within the MCMS authoring command to redirect file uploads to directories where executable code can be stored and subsequently executed. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference as defined by CWE-639, where the application fails to properly validate user input and control access to system resources. The flaw also demonstrates characteristics of command injection and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the authenticated session to upload and execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication and authorization mechanisms within MCMS, creating a scenario where legitimate administrative functions become weapons for unauthorized code execution. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it exploits legitimate user accounts to gain system-level privileges and execute code through the web server's content management interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0718 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can deploy web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that provide persistent access to the compromised server. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify existing content, inject malicious scripts into web pages, or establish command and control channels through the compromised MCMS installation. Organizations using MCMS 2001 face significant risk of unauthorized content modification, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows attackers to operate under the guise of legitimate administrative users, making detection more difficult and potentially enabling long-term persistence within the target environment. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how content management systems can become attack vectors when proper input validation and access control measures are not implemented. The flaw essentially transforms the web authoring capabilities from a productivity tool into a potential weapon for network infiltration and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0718 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to protect MCMS 2001 installations. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures to prevent parameter manipulation of upload functions, ensuring that all file upload operations are properly authenticated and authorized. The most effective immediate solution involves restricting file upload capabilities to authenticated administrators only and implementing strict file type validation to prevent executable content from being uploaded. Network segmentation and access control lists should be implemented to limit access to MCMS administrative interfaces to trusted IP addresses and user accounts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling or removing the vulnerable authoring command functionality until proper security patches can be implemented. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, this vulnerability should be addressed through comprehensive security assessments of all content management systems, including regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar flaws. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious file upload activities and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider migrating to more secure content management platforms that have been designed with proper security controls and input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.