CVE-2002-0977 in File Transfer Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Microsoft File Transfer Manager (FTM) ActiveX control before 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long TS value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0977 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Microsoft File Transfer Manager (FTM) ActiveX control version 3.0 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects systems running Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 with the affected FTM control installed. The flaw exists in the handling of the TS parameter within the ActiveX control, which fails to properly validate input length before processing. This allows attackers to craft malicious web pages or ActiveX installations that can trigger the buffer overflow condition when the vulnerable control processes a specially crafted TS value.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the FTM ActiveX control's parameter parsing logic. When the control receives a TS parameter exceeding its allocated buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program structures or allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a web browser environment where ActiveX controls are executed, making it an ideal vector for drive-by attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this buffer overflow to gain arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, typically resulting in complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly attractive to threat actors as it requires no local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through compromised ActiveX controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0977 focus primarily on immediate remediation through Microsoft's security patches and administrative controls. Microsoft released security update MS02-054 that addressed this vulnerability by properly implementing bounds checking in the FTM ActiveX control. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this patch across all affected systems, particularly those running Windows 2000, XP, or Server 2003 environments. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers or implementing security policies that restrict ActiveX control installation and execution. Network-based mitigations include filtering web traffic to prevent access to known malicious websites that exploit this vulnerability, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious ActiveX control behavior. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all ActiveX controls updated and regularly reviewing installed components to identify and remove outdated or untrusted controls that may present similar security risks.