CVE-2003-0148 in ePolicy Orchestrator
Summary
by MITRE
The default installation of MSDE via McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator 2.0 through 3.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a series of steps that (1) obtain the database administrator username and encrypted password in a configuration file from the ePO server using a certain request, (2) crack the password due to weak cryptography, and (3) use the password to pass commands through xp_cmdshell.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0148 represents a critical security flaw in the default installation of Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) when deployed through McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator versions 2.0 through 3.0. This issue demonstrates a classic multi-stage attack vector that exploits weak security configurations and cryptographic weaknesses to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects widely deployed enterprise security management platforms, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on McAfee's ePolicy Orchestrator for security policy management.
The technical exploitation begins with an attacker obtaining database administrator credentials through a specific request mechanism that accesses configuration files on the ePO server. These credentials are stored in an encrypted format within the configuration files, but the encryption implementation proves to be insufficiently robust. The weakness lies in the cryptographic implementation where the password encryption can be cracked using readily available techniques, typically involving brute force or rainbow table attacks due to the use of weak hashing algorithms or predictable encryption methods. This weakness directly maps to CWE-326 - Inadequate Encryption Strength and CWE-310 - Cryptographic Issues, as the system fails to provide adequate cryptographic protection for sensitive authentication data.
Once the attacker successfully cracks the database administrator password, they can leverage this privileged access to execute commands on the underlying system through the xp_cmdshell extended stored procedure. This procedure provides direct command-line access to the operating system, enabling attackers to perform arbitrary operations including file manipulation, process execution, and system reconnaissance. The ability to execute commands through xp_cmdshell represents a severe privilege escalation vulnerability that allows attackers to move laterally within the network and potentially compromise additional systems. This exploitation pathway aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 - Valid Accounts, demonstrating how compromised credentials can be used to execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations using McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially gain control over the entire security management infrastructure. The default installation nature of the vulnerability means that organizations were likely running with minimal security hardening, making the exploitation process more straightforward than in properly configured environments. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and the dangers of default installations that include overly permissive security settings. Organizations using this software were at risk of complete system compromise, as the vulnerability allowed attackers to bypass traditional network security controls and gain direct system-level access through the legitimate administrative interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0148 require immediate attention to both the cryptographic weaknesses and the privilege escalation mechanisms. Organizations should disable or remove the xp_cmdshell procedure from the MSDE installation, as this procedure should never be enabled in production environments without strict security controls. The encryption of database credentials must be strengthened using robust cryptographic algorithms and proper key management practices. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the ePO server and its database components, ensuring that only authorized administrative systems can reach these critical services. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration weaknesses in other enterprise systems, following the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the dangers of enabling potentially dangerous system procedures without adequate security controls.