CVE-2002-2081 in Site Server
Summary
by MITRE
cphost.dll in Microsoft Site Server 3.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (disk consumption) via an HTTP POST of a file with a long TargetURL parameter, which causes Site Server to abort and leaves the uploaded file in c:\temp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2081 represents a significant denial of service weakness within Microsoft Site Server 3.0's cphost.dll component. This flaw specifically manifests when the system processes HTTP POST requests containing excessively long TargetURL parameters, creating a condition where the server becomes overwhelmed and unable to properly handle the incoming data. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, exploiting the server's inadequate input validation mechanisms and improper resource management during file upload operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious HTTP POST requests with TargetURL parameters that exceed normal operational limits, typically measured in thousands of characters. When Site Server 3.0 processes these malformed requests, the cphost.dll module fails to properly validate the input length, causing the system to initiate an abort sequence that leaves temporary files in the c:temp directory without proper cleanup. This behavior creates a cascading effect where multiple such requests can rapidly consume available disk space, ultimately leading to complete system denial of service. The vulnerability demonstrates poor error handling and resource cleanup practices, as the system fails to properly manage temporary file storage during abort conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise system stability and availability. Attackers can systematically consume disk space on the affected server, potentially causing the system to become completely unresponsive when storage capacity is exhausted. The persistent nature of the issue means that even after the initial attack, the system remains vulnerable until the accumulated temporary files are manually removed or the system is rebooted. This vulnerability particularly affects web content management systems and server environments where Site Server 3.0 is deployed, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on Microsoft's server-side content management solutions.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which describes improper restriction of operations within a recognized security boundary, and CWE-400, which addresses unchecked resource consumption. The attack pattern follows the typical denial of service methodology where an attacker leverages system resource management flaws to exhaust available capacity, preventing legitimate users from accessing services. Organizations should implement input length validation mechanisms and ensure proper temporary file cleanup procedures are in place. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion, making it a significant concern for defenders monitoring system resource utilization and implementing proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying Microsoft's official security patches, implementing input validation at the application level, and configuring proper resource limits on temporary file storage. Network administrators should monitor disk space utilization and implement automated cleanup procedures for temporary directories. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization measures to prevent malformed requests from reaching the vulnerable components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper error handling and resource management in server applications, particularly those handling user-provided data through HTTP protocols.