CVE-2002-0814 in GSX Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in VMware Authorization Service for VMware GSX Server 2.0.0 build-2050 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a long GLOBAL argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0814 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the VMware Authorization Service component of VMware GSX Server version 2.0.0 build-2050. This security weakness resides in the authorization service's handling of the GLOBAL argument parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the authorization service's argument processing logic, where user-supplied data fails to be properly sanitized before being copied into fixed-size memory buffers. This particular implementation flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checks allow attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires remote authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to the system before attempting exploitation, though this prerequisite does not significantly diminish the severity of the vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0814 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration capabilities. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows authenticated attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the VMware Authorization Service process, which typically operates with elevated privileges. This condition creates a persistent backdoor that could enable attackers to maintain long-term access to the compromised system while potentially escalating privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055, which covers process injection methods, and T1068, which describes local privilege escalation techniques. The authorization service's role within VMware GSX Server makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it controls access permissions and authentication mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate access controls and gain broader system access than initially intended.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0814 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that correct the buffer overflow vulnerability through proper input validation and memory boundary checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected VMware GSX Server instances to only trusted networks and authenticated users. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual authentication patterns or parameter manipulation attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication controls, and regularly updating system components align with the principles of defense in depth and help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's age and specific version targeting indicate that organizations should consider migrating to supported VMware products and versions that have addressed this and similar historical vulnerabilities, as continued operation of unpatched legacy systems creates ongoing security risks that may be exploited by sophisticated attackers.