CVE-2024-21368 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2024
Microsoft WDAC OLE DB provider for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2026
This vulnerability exists within Microsoft Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) and specifically affects the OLE DB provider for SQL Server component. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems with WDAC enabled, bypassing security controls that should prevent unauthorized applications from running. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the OLE DB provider when processing malicious data streams, creating a remote code execution vector that can be exploited through specially crafted database connections or data feeds.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow condition in the OLE DB provider's parsing logic for SQL Server connection strings and result sets. When WDAC is configured to enforce strict application control policies, the system should prevent unauthorized executables from running. However, the flaw in the OLE DB provider allows malicious payloads to be executed within the context of legitimate database processes, effectively circumventing the security boundaries established by WDAC. This represents a critical failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how tightly integrated components can create unexpected attack surfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when attackers leverage it effectively. Organizations with WDAC enabled may believe their systems are protected against unauthorized application execution, but this vulnerability undermines that protection entirely. Attackers can exploit the flaw through database connection manipulation, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, escalating privileges, or establishing persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows 10 and Windows Server versions where WDAC is configured with default policies.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches addressing the OLE DB provider vulnerability, alongside comprehensive review and hardening of WDAC policies to prevent execution of untrusted code through database interfaces. Organizations must also implement network segmentation controls to limit database access points and establish monitoring for suspicious database connection patterns. The mitigation approach aligns with CWE-121 which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for command and scripting interpreter. Additional defensive measures include implementing database firewalls, enabling detailed logging of database connections, and conducting regular security assessments of application control policies to identify similar vulnerabilities in other integrated components.
This vulnerability highlights the complexity of modern security architectures where multiple layers of protection can create false sense of security when individual components contain exploitable flaws. The interaction between WDAC's enforcement mechanisms and database provider logic demonstrates how integrated systems require comprehensive security testing across all components rather than isolated validation of individual security controls. Organizations should maintain continuous vigilance against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other database interfaces or application control mechanisms within their environments.