Microsoft Releases SQL Server Hotfix Patch

Microsoft on Friday issued a hotfix aimed at distributed queries that may incorrectly use SQL Server startup account permissions when SQL Server 2000 is running in Fiber Mode.

Microsoft on Friday issued a hotfix aimed at distributed queries that may incorrectly use SQL Server startup account permissions when SQL Server 2000 is running in Fiber Mode. Distributed queries with a linked server may use the SQL Server startup for making a connection to the linked server rather than the configured linked server account, specified by the sp_addlinkedsrvlogin stored procedure, noted officials from Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp. Microsoft confirmed that the distributed queries error applies to all editions of Microsoft SQL Server 2000.
Two instances are required in order for the problem to occur: Firstly, SQL Server must be deployed in Fiber Mode, meaning the sp-configure stored procedure lightweight option is set to 1, and the distributed query is being executed by a Microsoft Windows NT login. Secondly, the linked server security is configured to use the "be made using the logins current security context" option. Microsoft officials say the available hotfix is only intended to correct the described error and therefore should be implemented on machines experiencing the specific problem. Microsoft recommended that users not severely affected by the bug simply wait for the next Microsoft SQL Server 2000 service pack, which will contain the hotfix remedy. Officials said the release will be called Service Pack 4, with an expected ship date in June, 2004. Information on SQL Servers Fiber Mode and a contact link for the hotfix can be obtained at Microsofts Support Article, Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 830382.