CVE-2015-1762 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 SP3 and SP4, 2008 R2 SP2 and SP3, 2012 SP1 and SP2, and 2014, when transactional replication is configured, does not prevent use of uninitialized memory in unspecified function calls, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by leveraging certain permissions and making a crafted query, as demonstrated by the VIEW SERVER STATE permission, aka "SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1762 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft SQL Server implementations across multiple versions including 2008 SP3 and SP4, 2008 R2 SP2 and SP3, 2012 SP1 and SP2, and 2014. This weakness specifically manifests when transactional replication is configured within the database environment, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to exploit uninitialized memory access patterns. The vulnerability operates through an unspecified function call that fails to properly validate memory states, allowing malicious actors to leverage legitimate permissions to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The attack vector requires an authenticated user with specific privileges, particularly the VIEW SERVER STATE permission, which demonstrates how legitimate access can be weaponized for exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which addresses the use of uninitialized variables or memory in software systems. When transactional replication is active, certain internal function calls do not properly initialize memory buffers before processing user-supplied data. This creates a condition where memory contents from previous operations or system allocations may be inadvertently accessed and interpreted as executable code. The flaw exists in the replication subsystem's handling of memory management during specific query processing scenarios, particularly when dealing with metadata or configuration data that flows through the replication pipeline. Attackers can craft specific queries that trigger these uninitialized memory access patterns, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1762 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables full remote code execution capabilities on affected SQL Server instances. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have already established authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access is granted to multiple users or applications. The attack requires only legitimate database permissions, which means that even users with standard access levels could potentially exploit this vulnerability if they possess the VIEW SERVER STATE privilege. The exploitation process involves crafting malicious queries that manipulate the replication subsystem's memory handling to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SQL Server service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise and lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security patches released in May 2015 as part of the Microsoft Security Response Center's coordinated fixes. Network segmentation and privilege minimization should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, as the exploitation results in arbitrary code execution that can be used to establish persistent access. Additionally, the vulnerability maps to T1070 for indicator removal, as attackers may attempt to cover their tracks through the compromised systems. Security monitoring should focus on unusual query patterns, particularly those involving replication-related functions, and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. Database administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and regularly reviewing user permissions to reduce the attack surface, as the vulnerability specifically requires authentication and certain database permissions to be effective.