CVE-2002-0724 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in SMB (Server Message Block) protocol in Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP allows attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a SMB_COM_TRANSACTION packet with a request for the (1) NetShareEnum, (2) NetServerEnum2, or (3) NetServerEnum3, aka "Unchecked Buffer in Network Share Provider Can Lead to Denial of Service".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0724 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Server Message Block protocol implementation of Microsoft Windows operating systems including Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. This issue specifically affects the network share provider component that handles SMB_COM_TRANSACTION packets, creating a scenario where malformed network requests can trigger system instability and complete service disruption. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the SMB protocol handler, particularly when processing certain enumeration requests that target network share information. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The attack vector operates through the SMB protocol which is commonly used for file sharing and network communication in Windows environments, making it a prime target for exploitation in network-based attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Windows SMB server receives a specially crafted SMB_COM_TRANSACTION packet containing an enumeration request for network shares. Specifically, when the server processes requests for NetShareEnum, NetServerEnum2, or NetServerEnum3 operations, the buffer allocation does not properly validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This unchecked buffer behavior creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, causing memory corruption that ultimately leads to system crashes. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network protocol level, allowing remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. The attack can be executed through standard network traffic, making it highly accessible and potentially automated through network scanning tools. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 which describes the exploitation of remote services to gain system access or cause denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0724 extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass broader network availability concerns and potential business disruption. Organizations relying on Windows file sharing services, domain controllers, or network infrastructure that utilizes SMB protocol are particularly vulnerable to this attack vector. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow causes the affected Windows systems to crash and reboot, effectively creating a denial of service condition that can impact multiple users and applications simultaneously. The vulnerability affects core network services that are fundamental to enterprise operations, potentially disrupting file sharing, print services, and other critical network functions. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying and mitigating this vulnerability across multiple operating system versions, as the flaw exists in several widely deployed Windows platforms from the early 2000s era. The impact is amplified in environments where Windows systems serve as file servers or domain controllers, as these systems are often targets for network-based attacks and may experience cascading failures when multiple systems are compromised.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application from Microsoft as part of the Windows Update process, specifically targeting the security bulletin MS02-039 which addressed this specific buffer overflow issue. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict SMB traffic to necessary systems only, reducing the attack surface for exploitation. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous SMB traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the specific enumeration requests mentioned in the vulnerability description. System administrators should disable unnecessary SMB services and file sharing functionality on systems that do not require these features, following the principle of least privilege. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for known SMB exploit patterns can help identify and block malicious traffic attempting to leverage this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to ensure compatibility and prevent unintended service disruptions. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Windows and prioritize patching based on risk assessment and business impact considerations.