CVE-2016-7252 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 mishandles the FILESTREAM path, which allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors, aka "SQL Analysis Services Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7252 affects Microsoft SQL Server 2016 and specifically relates to improper handling of FILESTREAM paths within SQL Analysis Services components. This issue represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that enables authenticated remote attackers to potentially gain elevated system privileges through unspecified vectors. The flaw exists within the way SQL Server processes FILESTREAM data paths, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to system resources that should remain protected. Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under the broader context of information disclosure and privilege escalation attacks, which aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of FILESTREAM path handling within the SQL Analysis Services functionality. When processing FILESTREAM data, the system fails to properly sanitize or verify path specifications, allowing malicious actors to manipulate path references in ways that bypass normal access controls. This misconfiguration creates opportunities for attackers to traverse file system boundaries and potentially access sensitive data or system resources that should be restricted to authorized users only. The vulnerability specifically impacts the interaction between FILESTREAM functionality and Analysis Services, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that leverages the inherent trust relationships within the SQL Server architecture.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to database environments that utilize SQL Server 2016 with FILESTREAM capabilities and Analysis Services components. Organizations running affected systems face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible system compromise through privilege escalation. The remote nature of the attack vector means that authenticated users who can access the SQL Server instance can exploit this vulnerability from external networks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest that multiple attack paths may exist, increasing the complexity of both exploitation and mitigation efforts.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and CWE-264, which covers "Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls." These classifications reflect the core security issues present in the flaw, where improper access control mechanisms allow for unauthorized privilege escalation. In terms of MITRE ATT&CK framework mappings, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and potentially T1005 for "Data from Local System." Organizations should consider implementing layered security controls including network segmentation, privileged access management, and regular security assessments to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying Microsoft security patches promptly, implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous access patterns, and conducting regular security audits of SQL Server configurations to ensure proper FILESTREAM and Analysis Services implementations.