CVE-2024-26166 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2024
Microsoft WDAC OLE DB provider for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2025
The CVE-2024-26166 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) OLE DB provider for SQL Server components. This vulnerability resides in the way the OLE DB provider handles specific data inputs during database connection operations, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically impacts environments where WDAC is enabled and the SQL Server OLE DB provider is actively utilized for database connectivity. Security researchers identified this issue through comprehensive analysis of the provider's input validation mechanisms and memory handling routines. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with buffer overflow conditions and improper input sanitization patterns that have been previously documented in similar database provider implementations.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2024-26166 occurs when an attacker crafts malicious OLE DB connection strings or data payloads that trigger memory corruption within the SQL Server OLE DB provider module. This memory corruption leads to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service account, typically resulting in SYSTEM level access on target systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of legitimate database operations, making detection challenging for traditional security monitoring systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw through various attack vectors including web applications, database management tools, or any application that utilizes the OLE DB provider for SQL Server connections. The exploitation process typically involves careful crafting of connection parameters that bypass normal validation checks while simultaneously corrupting memory structures to achieve code execution.
Organizations running affected Microsoft SQL Server environments with WDAC enabled face significant operational risks from this vulnerability. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise entire database infrastructures. The impact extends beyond individual database servers to include potential lateral movement within network environments, as compromised database systems often serve as critical data repositories for enterprise applications. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability across their entire infrastructure, particularly in environments where database connectivity is essential for business operations. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft SQL Server and WDAC configurations, requiring comprehensive assessment of deployment environments to determine exposure levels and prioritize remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-26166 should focus on immediate patch deployment from Microsoft security updates, which address the underlying memory handling and input validation issues within the OLE DB provider. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks, reducing potential attack surfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous OLE DB connection patterns and unusual database access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary OLE DB provider functionality and implementing strict database access controls to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential access through database connections. Organizations should also reference CWE-121 for buffer overflow conditions and CWE-20 for input validation issues to understand the underlying security weaknesses that contributed to this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls and identify any remaining exposure areas.