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CVE-2002-0643: MSDE and SQL Server 2000 leave passwords in install files

CVE-2002-0643 · published 24 years ago

Summary

When Microsoft Data Engine 1.0 or Microsoft SQL Server 2000 is installed, the setup creates files named setup.iss that are readable by any local user and are not removed after installation. Those files can contain weakly encrypted passwords, allowing a local user to see them and potentially gain higher privileges. Remove or restrict access to any setup.iss files left behind, and consider reinstalling with proper file permissions or upgrading to a newer version.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software

Vendor	Product	Affected versions
microsoft	data_engine	1.0 `cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:data_engine:1.0:::::::*`
microsoft	sql_server	7.0 2000 `cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server:7.0:::::::*`

Original advisory text

The installation of Microsoft Data Engine 1.0 (MSDE 1.0), and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 creates setup.iss files with insecure permissions and does not delete them after installation, which allows local users to obtain sensitive data, including weakly encrypted passwords, to gain privileges, aka "SQL Server Installation Process May Leave Passwords on System."

References

Fix within

Internet-facing 60 days

Internal At next upgrade

Not known to be exploited
Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)

Severity

4.6 Medium

Exploitation

2% chance of attack within 30 days

Timeline

Published23 Jul 2002

Updated3 Nov 2026

First seen29 Sep 2026

Sources

CVE-2002-0643 · NVD

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