CVE-2002-0982 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 SP2, when configured as a distributor, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via the @scriptfile parameter to the sp_MScopyscript stored procedure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 2 contains a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in the sp_MScopyscript stored procedure that enables remote code execution when the server is configured as a distributor in a replication topology. This vulnerability resides within the handling of the scriptfile parameter, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that can overwrite memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SQL Server service account. The flaw represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through specially crafted database calls, making it particularly dangerous in environments where SQL Server has elevated privileges. The vulnerability is catalogued under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.002 for command and script injection, as attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. When SQL Server operates in distributor mode, it handles replication scripts that contain configuration and operational commands, creating an attack surface where the scriptfile parameter becomes a critical entry point for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information, modify or delete critical data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems where SQL Server is configured in a replication environment, particularly those with distributor roles, making it relevant to enterprise database deployments where high availability and data synchronization are critical requirements. Organizations running SQL Server 2000 in production environments are at significant risk, as the service pack 2 version still contains this unpatched vulnerability despite being released years prior to the vulnerability disclosure. The exploitability of this issue is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal privileges to trigger, as the stored procedure can be executed by users with basic database access rights, making it a particularly attractive target for both internal and external attackers seeking to escalate their privileges within database environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates to the SQL Server 2000 installation, as well as network segmentation and privilege reduction measures. Database administrators should disable unnecessary stored procedures and restrict access to the sp_MScopyscript function to prevent unauthorized execution. Network-level protections such as firewall rules and access control lists should be implemented to limit communication with SQL Server instances, particularly those configured as distributors. Additionally, comprehensive monitoring and logging should be enabled to detect anomalous database activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can detect suspicious parameter values being passed to stored procedures, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for file and directory discovery. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as SQL Server 2000 reached end-of-life in 2014 and no longer receives security updates from Microsoft, making it particularly vulnerable to known exploits like this one. Security teams should prioritize migrating legacy database systems to supported versions to eliminate exposure to such historical vulnerabilities that continue to pose significant risks to enterprise security postures.