SYMPTOMS
Index Server 2.0 has an unchecked buffer in a function that processes search requests. If an overly long value is provided for a particular search parameter, it overruns the buffer. If the buffer is overrun with random data, it causes Index Service to fail. If it is overrun with carefully selected data, code of the attacker's choice can be made to run on the server in the Local System security context.
Mitigating Factors:- To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker must be able to authenticate to the server and to create a named pipe connection to it (which requires access to NetBIOS, which should be blocked at the firewall). As a result, it is likely that this vulnerability can, in a properly configured network, only be exploited by an intranet user.
- Index Server 2.0 installs by default as part of the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack, but it does not run by default.
- Indexing Services in Microsoft Windows 2000 is not affected by this vulnerability.
RESOLUTION
Windows NT 4.0
To resolve this problem, obtain the individual package referenced below or obtain the Windows NT 4.0 Security Rollup Package. For additional information on the SRP, click the article number below
to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
299444 Post-Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a Security Rollup Package (SRP)
The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:
For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services
Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.
The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:
Date Time Version Size File name
--------------------------------------------------
04/10/2001 06:19p 5.0.1781.3 870,672 Query.dll
NOTE: Due to file dependencies, this hotfix requires Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 or later.
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
To resolve this problem, obtain the Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition, Security Rollup Package
(SRP). For additional information about the SRP, click the article number below
to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
317636 Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal
Server Edition, Security Rollup Package
