CVE-2002-1769 in Site Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Site Server 3.0 prior to SP4 installs a default user, LDAP_Anonymous, with a default password of LdapPassword_1, which allows remote attackers the "Log on locally" privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
Microsoft Site Server 3.0 represents a web content management platform that was widely deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s. The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1769 stems from a fundamental security misconfiguration in the default installation process of this software. This particular flaw falls under the category of weak default credentials, which is classified as CWE-798 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of Microsoft Site Server 3.0 prior to Service Pack 4, indicating that Microsoft was aware of this security gap and had not yet addressed it in the patching cycle.
The technical flaw manifests through the automatic creation of a default user account named LDAP_Anonymous during the installation process. This default account is configured with a predictable and well-known password of LdapPassword_1, creating an easily exploitable security weakness. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it grants attackers the "Log on locally" privilege, which is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique. This privilege allows an attacker to gain local system access, which can serve as a foothold for further exploitation within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with a direct path to local system access. This local access can be leveraged to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistence mechanisms within the target environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Microsoft Site Server 3.0 may be running on critical infrastructure components, as the default account could be used to gain unauthorized access to web content management systems that control large portions of an organization's digital presence. The low complexity of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers, as it requires minimal technical skill to exploit the weak default credentials.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying Microsoft Site Server 3.0 Service Pack 4, which addresses this specific vulnerability by removing or properly securing the default LDAP_Anonymous account. Organizations should also implement comprehensive credential management policies that enforce strong password requirements and regular credential rotation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure default configurations in enterprise software, as highlighted by industry best practices and security frameworks that emphasize the need for robust authentication mechanisms. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of compromised accounts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration weaknesses across the entire infrastructure.