Microsoft SQL Server up to 2000 SP2 Stored Procedure sp_MSSetServerProperties/sp_MSsetalertinfo privileges management

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.3$5k-$25k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability identified as critical has been detected in Microsoft SQL Server up to 2000 SP2. Affected is the function sp_MSSetServerProperties/sp_MSsetalertinfo of the component Stored Procedure. Performing a manipulation results in privileges management. This vulnerability was named CVE-2002-1981. There is no available exploit.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in Microsoft SQL Server up to 2000 SP2 (Database Software). This affects the function sp_MSSetServerProperties/sp_MSsetalertinfo of the component Stored Procedure. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a privileges management vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-269. The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor. This is going to have an impact on integrity. The summary by CVE is:

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 through SQL Server 2000 SP2 allows the "public" role to execute the (1) sp_MSSetServerProperties or (2) sp_MSsetalertinfo stored procedures, which allows attackers to modify configuration including SQL server startup and alert settings.

The weakness was presented 12/31/2002 by David Litchfield with NGSSoftware as not defined mailinglist post (Bugtraq). It is possible to read the advisory at seclists.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2002-1981 since 06/29/2005. The exploitability is told to be easy. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. No form of authentication is needed for exploitation. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 08/31/2025). The attack technique deployed by this issue is T1068 according to MITRE ATT&CK.

The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 19856 (Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Configuration Modification Vulnerability).

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (10012), SecurityFocus (BID 5604†) and Vulnerability Center (SBV-40380†). Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.3

VulDB Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
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Exploitinginfo

Class: Privileges management
CWE: CWE-269 / CWE-266
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Qualys ID: 🔍
Qualys Name: 🔍

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: no mitigation known
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Timelineinfo

09/02/2002 🔍
09/02/2002 +0 days 🔍
12/31/2002 +120 days 🔍
12/31/2002 +0 days 🔍
06/29/2005 +911 days 🔍
07/09/2013 +2932 days 🔍
08/05/2014 +392 days 🔍
08/31/2025 +4044 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: microsoft.com

Advisory: seclists.org
Researcher: David Litchfield
Organization: NGSSoftware
Status: Not defined

CVE: CVE-2002-1981 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2002-1981
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-19623
X-Force: 10012
SecurityFocus: 5604 - Microsoft SQL Server Stored Procedure Low Privilege Weakness
Vulnerability Center: 40380 - Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Through 2000 SP2 Remote Modification of Configuration Through Certain Stored Procedures, Medium

Entryinfo

Created: 08/05/2014 11:30
Updated: 08/31/2025 19:30
Changes: 08/05/2014 11:30 (56), 05/05/2017 08:50 (6), 08/31/2025 19:30 (18)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

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