CVE-2007-3039 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) service in Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP4, Windows 2000 Professional SP4, and Windows XP SP2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in an opnum 0x06 RPC call to port 2103. NOTE: this is remotely exploitable on Windows 2000 Server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3039 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within Microsoft Message Queuing service that affects multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 2000 Server SP4, Windows 2000 Professional SP4, and Windows XP SP2. This flaw exists within the remote procedure call (RPC) interface of MSMQ service which operates on port 2103, making it susceptible to exploitation over network connections. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing an opnum 0x06 RPC call, which is part of the MSMQ service's communication protocol designed for message queuing operations. The buffer overflow occurs due to inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the service's RPC handling code, allowing malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent characteristics of stack-based buffer overflows where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer size, causing information to be written beyond the intended memory boundaries. This particular flaw is classified as CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices where the program fails to properly check the length of input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a significant threat to systems running vulnerable versions of Windows. The specific RPC operation 0x06 targets the MSMQ service's functionality for handling message queuing operations, which makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where MSMQ is actively used for inter-process communication.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe implications for enterprise security infrastructure as it allows attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems. The ability to execute code remotely without authentication means that malicious actors can potentially compromise entire networks through a single vulnerable endpoint. Windows 2000 Server systems are particularly at risk as they represent legacy infrastructure that may not receive regular security updates, making them prime targets for exploitation. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as MSMQ is often used for critical business applications and system communications, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, establish persistent access, or disrupt business operations. The vulnerability's classification as remotely exploitable means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, eliminating the need for initial access through other attack vectors.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying Microsoft security patches, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to port 2103, and disabling MSMQ service if not required for business operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and execution tactics, specifically targeting the use of remote services for exploitation. Network administrators should consider implementing firewall rules to block incoming connections to port 2103 from untrusted networks, while also monitoring for unusual RPC traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services, implementing proper access controls, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures should be employed to reduce the attack surface. Given the age of the affected operating systems, organizations should prioritize migration to supported platforms and ensure that all systems are running current security updates to prevent exploitation of this and similar legacy vulnerabilities.