CVE-2016-7254 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP2 and 2012 SP3 does not properly perform a cast of an unspecified pointer, which allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges via unknown vectors, aka "SQL RDBMS Engine Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7254 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Microsoft SQL Server 2012 versions with Service Pack 2 and 3. This issue stems from improper handling of pointer casting operations within the SQL RDBMS engine component, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability's classification as an elevation of privilege vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls within software systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the database engine processes certain data type conversions, particularly involving unspecified pointer operations that can be manipulated by authenticated users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of data type casting mechanisms within SQL Server's query processing engine. When an authenticated user submits crafted database operations that trigger the problematic pointer casting behavior, the system's memory management can be compromised, potentially allowing attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level of the database engine, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass normal access controls and authorization mechanisms that typically protect database resources. The unspecified nature of the pointer casting operation suggests that the vulnerability may affect multiple data type conversions rather than a single specific scenario, broadening its potential impact across various database operations.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on SQL Server 2012 deployments, as it enables authenticated users to potentially gain administrative access to database systems. The attack vector requires authentication, which means that the threat actor must first establish valid credentials, but this is often achievable through various social engineering, credential theft, or lateral movement techniques. Once exploited, the vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive data, modify database structures, escalate to system-level privileges, or even compromise the underlying operating system. The impact extends beyond simple data access as it provides a foundation for further attacks within the network infrastructure. Organizations using SQL Server 2012 without proper patch management or network segmentation are particularly vulnerable to this attack vector.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7254 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, specifically addressing the SQL Server 2012 service packs. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the attack surface and reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Database administrators should enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users have only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their required tasks. Additionally, monitoring and logging of database activities should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' and T1078, which covers 'Valid Accounts,' indicating that exploitation typically requires legitimate user credentials. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect suspicious pointer casting operations or unusual privilege escalation attempts within their SQL Server environments.