CVE-2002-1150 in NetMeeting
Summary
by MITRE
The Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) Screen Saver Protection capability for Microsoft NetMeeting 3.01 through SP2 (4.4.3396) allows attackers with physical access to hijack remote sessions by entering certain logoff or shutdown sequences (such as CTRL-ALT-DEL) and canceling out of the resulting user confirmation prompts, such as when the remote user is editing a document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1150 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft NetMeeting 3.01 through Service Pack 2 versions up to build 4.4.3396. This issue specifically targets the Remote Desktop Sharing functionality's screen saver protection mechanism, creating an avenue for unauthorized session hijacking when an attacker gains physical access to a system. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated exploitation technique that leverages legitimate system interaction sequences to bypass security controls. The affected Microsoft NetMeeting software was widely deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that relied on remote desktop sharing capabilities for business operations.
The technical flaw stems from the improper handling of authentication and session management during system shutdown or logoff sequences. When a remote user is actively engaged in a NetMeeting session and the local system receives a logoff or shutdown command through physical interaction, the system's response mechanism fails to properly validate the legitimacy of the user's intent. Specifically, when the system presents confirmation prompts during shutdown sequences such as CTRL-ALT-DEL combinations, attackers can exploit the timing and sequence of interactions to intercept and manipulate the authentication flow. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284 Access Control, as it allows unauthorized access to protected resources through improper privilege management. The flaw exists because the system does not adequately distinguish between legitimate user actions and malicious interference during critical system transitions, creating a window of opportunity for session hijacking.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1150 is significant for organizations that utilize NetMeeting for remote collaboration and desktop sharing. Attackers with physical access to target systems can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized control over active remote sessions, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying documents, or executing malicious commands without proper authentication. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed through simple physical access to the target machine. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it allows attackers to leverage legitimate user sessions to maintain persistent access. The impact extends beyond immediate session hijacking to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and unauthorized access to corporate networks through the hijacked sessions, making it a substantial threat to enterprise security infrastructure.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation involves applying Microsoft's security patches and service packs that address the specific authentication handling issues within NetMeeting. System administrators should also implement strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from interacting with systems during active sessions. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for unusual session behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling the problematic screen saver protection features in NetMeeting when they are not essential for business operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper session management and access control mechanisms, particularly in environments where physical security and network security must work in conjunction to protect against sophisticated attack vectors that exploit legitimate system functionality for malicious purposes.