CVE-2002-1692 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in backup utility of Microsoft Windows 95 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by causing a filename with a long extension to be placed in a folder to be backed up.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1692 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the backup utility of Microsoft Windows 95 operating systems. This security weakness specifically manifests when the backup process encounters filenames with excessively long extensions, creating a condition where memory allocated for processing these filenames exceeds its designated boundaries. The flaw exists in the backup utility's handling of file metadata during the backup operation, where the system fails to properly validate or limit the length of filename extensions before processing them.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Windows 95 backup utility's file processing routines. When a malicious user places a file with an abnormally long extension into a folder scheduled for backup, the system's buffer management fails to account for the extended input length. This buffer overflow condition occurs because the utility allocates a fixed-size buffer to store filename information without proper bounds checking mechanisms. The overflow allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or injecting malicious code into the execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides attackers with a pathway for arbitrary code execution within the target system. An attacker exploiting this flaw could gain unauthorized access to the Windows 95 system, potentially elevating privileges and establishing persistent access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages normal backup operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through conventional security monitoring approaches. Attackers can craft malicious filenames with long extensions to trigger the overflow condition without requiring special privileges or direct system access.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows memory to be overwritten. The attack pattern follows the characteristics described in MITRE's ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary code. The backup utility's design flaw represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in legacy systems, where the assumption was made that filenames would conform to standard length limitations. Organizations running Windows 95 systems were particularly vulnerable as this was a widely used operating system in enterprise environments during the early 2000s, making the exploitation of such flaws a significant concern for system administrators.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1692 should focus on immediate system hardening measures including restricting backup operations to trusted users, implementing strict file naming conventions, and monitoring for unusual filename patterns. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary backup functionality or implementing network-level restrictions to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in system utilities, emphasizing that legacy systems require additional security scrutiny due to their reduced security features and lack of modern protection mechanisms. Regular security assessments and timely patching of operating systems remain essential practices to prevent exploitation of such fundamental design flaws.