CVE-2002-1123
HighPublic exploitBuffer overflow in the authentication function for Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and Microsoft Desktop Engine (MSDE) 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long request to TCP port 1433, aka the "Hello" overflow.
Published Sep 24, 2002 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2002-1123 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Data Engine (Microsoft), SQL Server (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 78% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
78%
Higher than 99.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2002-1123 brief as a PDF
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Description
Buffer overflow in the authentication function for Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and Microsoft Desktop Engine (MSDE) 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long request to TCP port 1433, aka the "Hello" overflow.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Data EngineMicrosoft | 2000 | n/a |
| SQL ServerMicrosoft | 2000, 2000-sp1, 2000-sp2 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 24, 2002
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- advisorymssql-preauth-bo(9788)
- exploitMSF ms02_056_hello.rb
- exploitExploitDB-16398
- exploitExploitDB-21693
- other20020807 MS SQL Server Hello Overflow NASL script
FAQ
Common Questions.
Buffer overflow in the authentication function for Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and Microsoft Desktop Engine (MSDE) 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long request to TCP port 1433, aka the "Hello" overflow.
Affected: Data Engine (Microsoft) versions 2000; SQL Server (Microsoft) versions 2000, 2000-sp1, 2000-sp2. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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