CVE-2002-1142 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Remote Data Services (RDS) component of Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.1 through 2.6, and Internet Explorer 5.01 through 6.0, allows remote attackers to execute code via a malformed HTTP request to the Data Stub.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1142 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Microsoft Data Access Components MDAC versions 2.1 through 2.6 and Internet Explorer versions 5.01 through 6.0. This flaw exists within the Remote Data Services component that processes HTTP requests through the Data Stub mechanism, creating a pathway for remote code execution when malformed requests are processed. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the RDS processing stack, specifically when handling HTTP requests containing maliciously crafted data structures that exceed allocated buffer boundaries in heap memory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of improper bounds checking during HTTP request processing within the MDAC RDS component. When Internet Explorer or applications utilizing MDAC encounter a malformed HTTP request containing oversized data payloads, the system fails to properly validate the buffer limits before copying data into heap-allocated memory regions. This results in memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including function pointers or return addresses, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can manipulate memory layout to achieve precise control over execution flow, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1142 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of MDAC or Internet Explorer, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor access. The widespread adoption of these Microsoft components across enterprise environments meant that this vulnerability could affect numerous systems simultaneously, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for local system access, allowing attackers to compromise systems from external networks without requiring user interaction or specialized local privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1142 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through official security patches released by Microsoft. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to systems running vulnerable MDAC components, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks. The implementation of input validation controls and regular security assessments can help identify systems running outdated components, while network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary RDS functionality and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized code, aligning with defense-in-depth principles recommended by cybersecurity frameworks such as those outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework where this vulnerability would be classified under techniques involving remote code execution through memory corruption exploits. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management can create persistent security risks in enterprise software components.