Title: Microsoft SQL Server Administrator Cached Connection Vulnerability
Severity: HIGH
Description:
Query methods are SQL Server commands used to request information from the database. A flaw exists in the handling of specially structured ad hoc queries, which could enable a normal user to gain administrative privileges.
In order to gain access to information in the database, a user must make a connection to the server. Once access to the database is no longer required, the user logging off will terminate the connection. However, by design, SQL Server will store the connection used by the user in cache for a certain amount of time. This is done to improve the server's performance. Next time that particular user logs in, SQL Server can reinstate the cached connection rather than creating a new one.
It is possible for a logged in user to use an ad hoc query in a particular way, that would invoke the cached connection of the system administrator rather than that of the user. This would enable the user to access the database with administrative privileges.
In order to successfully exploit this issue, Mixed Mode authentication must be enabled. Hosts with Windows authentication enabled will not be affected by this issue.
Affected Products:
- Microsoft SQL Server 2000
- Microsoft SQL Server 2000 SP1
- Microsoft SQL Server 7.0.0
- Microsoft SQL Server 7.0.0SP1
- Microsoft SQL Server 7.0.0SP2
- Microsoft SQL Server 7.0.0SP3
References:
- Microsoft: FIX: Query Method Used to Access Data May Allow Rights that the Login Might Not
- Microsoft: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS01-032
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