CVE-2000-0100 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) version 2.0. The issue arises because the SMS Remote Control program is installed with insecure file system permissions. Specifically, local users without elevated privileges can modify or replace the SMS Remote Control executable or related files. This improper permission configuration allows an attacker with local access to escalate their privileges by substituting the legitimate program with a malicious one, effectively gaining higher system privileges. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as an attacker could execute arbitrary code with elevated rights, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS score of 7.2 reflects the high impact and relatively low complexity of exploitation, given that no authentication is required but local access is necessary. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature makes it a significant risk in environments where local user access is possible. The vulnerability was disclosed in late 1999, and Microsoft has released patches (MS00-012) to address the insecure permissions. The root cause is a misconfiguration in the installation process of SMS Remote Control, which fails to restrict write permissions to trusted administrators only.

For European organizations using Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0, this vulnerability poses a serious risk. SMS is typically deployed in enterprise environments for managing large numbers of Windows systems, often including critical infrastructure and sensitive data. An attacker with local access—such as a disgruntled employee, contractor, or someone who gains physical or remote desktop access—could exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges and gain administrative control over management servers. This could lead to unauthorized access to confidential information, disruption of management operations, and potential lateral movement within the network. Given the central role of SMS in system management, compromise could affect the integrity and availability of managed endpoints, impacting business continuity. The risk is heightened in environments where endpoint security controls are weak or where local user accounts are numerous and not tightly controlled. Additionally, since SMS 2.0 is an older product, organizations still running it may face challenges in patching or upgrading, increasing exposure.

1. Apply the official Microsoft patch MS00-012 immediately to correct the insecure permissions on the SMS Remote Control program. 2. Conduct a thorough audit of file and directory permissions on all SMS-related components to ensure only authorized administrators have write access. 3. Restrict local user accounts and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of users who can access SMS servers locally. 4. Implement strong physical security controls to prevent unauthorized local access to management servers. 5. Monitor file integrity on SMS servers using host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to detect unauthorized modifications to critical executables. 6. If upgrading is feasible, migrate from SMS 2.0 to a supported and more secure system management platform to reduce exposure to legacy vulnerabilities. 7. Regularly review and update security policies related to system management tools, ensuring that installation and configuration follow best practices for permissions and access control.