CVE-2024-21353 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2024
Microsoft WDAC ODBC Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2026
Microsoft WDAC ODBC Driver remote code execution vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems through malicious ODBC connections. This vulnerability specifically affects the Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) ODBC driver implementation, which is designed to enforce application control policies and restrict unauthorized software execution. The flaw stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the ODBC driver components that process database connection requests and data transfers. When a maliciously crafted ODBC connection string or database query is processed by the vulnerable driver, it can trigger buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other exploitable conditions that enable remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because ODBC drivers are commonly used across enterprise environments for database connectivity, making the attack surface extensive and potentially affecting numerous organizational systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious database connection parameters that exploit the driver's insufficient validation mechanisms, leading to complete system compromise without requiring elevated privileges initially.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through several attack vectors that align with common application security patterns and attack methodologies. The flaw typically manifests when the ODBC driver processes untrusted input from database connection strings, SQL queries, or data transfer operations that contain malicious payloads. Attackers can construct specially crafted ODBC connection parameters that trigger memory corruption conditions such as stack overflows, heap corruption, or use-after-free vulnerabilities within the driver's processing code. These conditions can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations or execute arbitrary code in the context of the ODBC driver process. The vulnerability may also be amplified by the fact that WDAC policies are often configured to allow specific applications or drivers to execute, potentially creating a false sense of security while the malicious ODBC connection bypasses these protections. This exploitation pattern corresponds to CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and CWE-787 out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities commonly found in database connectivity components. The attack surface is further extended by the widespread use of ODBC drivers in enterprise applications, web applications, and database management systems that rely on these connectivity components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond individual system compromise, potentially affecting entire enterprise networks and organizational security postures. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can enable attackers to establish persistent access to target systems, escalate privileges, and move laterally across network segments. The ODBC driver's role in database connectivity means that successful exploitation can provide access to sensitive organizational data, including customer information, financial records, intellectual property, and other confidential assets. Organizations with extensive database infrastructure using affected WDAC ODBC drivers face significant risk exposure, particularly those with legacy systems or older versions of the driver that may not have received security updates. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements and security auditing processes, as successful exploitation can result in data breaches that violate regulatory frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, and pci dss standards. Additionally, the attack can be automated and scaled across multiple systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with large database environments or those using automated database connection management tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action and comprehensive security measures to protect affected systems and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement immediate patching procedures for all affected WDAC ODBC drivers, ensuring that the latest security updates from microsoft are deployed across all systems. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict ODBC connection attempts from untrusted networks or systems, limiting the potential attack surface. The implementation of application control policies using WDAC or similar technologies can help prevent execution of unauthorized ODBC drivers or connection components. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be enhanced to detect suspicious ODBC connection patterns or unusual database access behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should disable unnecessary ODBC drivers and connection components, particularly those not required for business operations. Additional security controls including intrusion detection systems, endpoint protection solutions, and database activity monitoring tools should be deployed to provide layered defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of database connectivity components, aligning with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in database connectivity infrastructure.