CVE-2002-0866 in Virtual Machine
Summary
by MITRE
Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) classes in Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM) up to and including 5.0.3805 allow remote attackers to load and execute DLLs (dynamic link libraries) via a Java applet that calls the constructor for com.ms.jdbc.odbc.JdbcOdbc with the desired DLL terminated by a null string, aka "DLL Execution via JDBC Classes."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0866 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft's Virtual Machine implementation that affected JDBC database connectivity components. This issue specifically impacted versions of the Microsoft Virtual Machine up to and including version 5.0.3805, where the JDBC classes contained a dangerous code execution mechanism that could be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Java applet environment, creating a pathway for malicious code injection through database connectivity interfaces. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the JdbcOdbc constructor to load and execute arbitrary dynamic link libraries on vulnerable systems.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves leveraging the com.ms.jdbc.odbc.JdbcOdbc class constructor, which accepts a connection string parameter that is not properly sanitized. When an attacker crafts a malicious Java applet that invokes this constructor with a specially formatted string containing a DLL path followed by a null termination character, the virtual machine executes the specified DLL with the privileges of the Java applet. This represents a classic case of insecure deserialization and dynamic code loading, where untrusted input directly influences the loading of system resources. The vulnerability operates at the boundary between Java applet execution and native system libraries, creating a path for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the Java Virtual Machine process, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects systems running older versions of Microsoft Virtual Machine, particularly those used in enterprise environments where legacy Java applets and database connectivity components remain operational. The attack vector requires remote access through web-based Java applets, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing web applications that utilize JDBC connectivity. This vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware components.
Security mitigations for CVE-2002-0866 primarily focus on immediate remediation through system updates and configuration changes. Organizations should upgrade to newer versions of the Microsoft Virtual Machine that contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for JDBC connectivity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component, and CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for the execution of malicious code and T1068 for privilege escalation through legitimate system processes. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate systems running vulnerable Java applets, disable unnecessary JDBC connectivity features, and monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities. Additionally, the use of Java applet sandboxing mechanisms and proper input validation in web applications can provide additional layers of defense against similar exploitation patterns.