CVE-2002-1872 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft SQL Server 6.0 through 2000, with SQL Authentication enabled, uses weak password encryption (XOR), which allows remote attackers to sniff and decrypt the password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1872 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in Microsoft SQL Server versions 6.0 through 2000 when operating in SQL Authentication mode. This flaw stems from the implementation of weak encryption algorithms that fail to provide adequate protection for authentication credentials. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where SQL Authentication is enabled, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to capture and decrypt password information during network transmission. This issue directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential protection and network communication integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on XOR encryption, a primitive cryptographic method that provides minimal security protection. XOR encryption operates by performing bitwise operations between the plaintext password and a key, making it trivial for attackers to reverse-engineer the original password values. The weakness manifests during the authentication handshake process where SQL Server transmits password information across the network. Network sniffing tools can capture these transmissions, and the predictable nature of XOR operations allows attackers to easily decrypt the captured password data without requiring significant computational resources or advanced cryptographic knowledge. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-326 as it involves inadequate encryption strength and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1110.001 for credential access through password sniffing.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1872 extends far beyond simple password exposure, as compromised credentials can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain administrative privileges within the SQL Server environment, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations running legacy SQL Server installations, particularly those that have not migrated to more secure authentication mechanisms or modern encryption standards. The ease of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network monitoring is insufficient or where attackers have access to network traffic. Organizations with multiple SQL Server instances across different network segments face increased risk as a single compromised credential can potentially provide access to multiple databases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1872 require immediate attention and comprehensive security measures. The most effective approach involves upgrading to newer versions of Microsoft SQL Server that implement stronger encryption algorithms and secure authentication protocols. Organizations should disable SQL Authentication where possible and implement Windows Authentication with proper Kerberos or NTLM authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation and the implementation of secure communication channels through VPNs or SSL/TLS encryption can help protect against network sniffing attacks. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that authentication mechanisms are properly configured and that legacy systems are either patched or isolated from critical network resources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the necessity of migrating from deprecated cryptographic implementations to modern, standards-compliant encryption methods. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions capable of detecting and alerting on suspicious authentication traffic patterns to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.