CVE-2002-1137 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Database Console Command (DBCC) that handles user inputs in Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 and 2000, including Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE) 1.0 and Microsoft Desktop Engine (MSDE) 2000, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long SourceDB argument in a "non-SQL OLEDB data source" such as FoxPro, a variant of CAN-2002-0644.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1137 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Database Console Command (DBCC) functionality of Microsoft SQL Server versions 7.0 and 2000, along with related Microsoft Data Engine implementations. This security weakness specifically manifests when processing user inputs through the DBCC mechanism that handles non-SQL OLEDB data sources including FoxPro variants, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the DBCC command processing logic, where the system fails to properly sanitize or limit the length of SourceDB arguments provided during data source operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the SourceDB parameter within OLEDB data source specifications, where attackers can craft malicious input strings exceeding the allocated buffer space. This buffer overflow condition enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program execution flow and allowing arbitrary code injection. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database command level, where legitimate administrative functions can be leveraged to execute malicious payloads without requiring elevated privileges beyond normal database access. The flaw specifically aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to database server integrity and system security, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SQL Server service account, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects not only standard SQL Server installations but also the MSDE variants, expanding the attack surface significantly. Organizations running these legacy systems face substantial risk as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools. The attack vector specifically targets the OLEDB data source handling mechanism, which is commonly used in enterprise environments for integrating diverse data sources and applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1137 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's official security updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed through service packs and security patches released by Microsoft. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable SQL Server instances to untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running SQL Server services with minimal required permissions and ensuring that database users have only necessary access rights. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual DBCC command patterns and extended length parameter usage that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at application layers to prevent malformed data from reaching database command processing functions. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and memory safety practices in database server implementations, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.002 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous DBCC command usage patterns and provide alerting for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of how legacy database systems can contain critical security flaws that require immediate remediation to prevent exploitation by threat actors.