CVE-2024-28931 in ODBC Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 04/10/2024
Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
This vulnerability resides in the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server which enables applications to connect to sql server databases through odbc protocols. The flaw manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without authentication. This represents a critical security issue that can be exploited from external networks, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed sql server instances.
The technical implementation involves improper input validation within the odbc driver's handling of connection strings and database queries. When malformed or specially crafted inputs are processed through the driver components, memory corruption occurs that can be leveraged to overwrite program execution flow. This vulnerability specifically affects versions of the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server that process untrusted data from network connections without proper sanitization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it provides attackers with persistent access to target systems. Successful exploitation enables full system compromise, data exfiltration, lateral movement within networks, and potential establishment of backdoors. Organizations relying on odbc connections for database access face severe risks including complete infrastructure compromise and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected driver versions through microsoft security updates. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict access to sql server instances from untrusted networks. Implementing application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable odbc components. Additionally organizations should monitor network traffic for suspicious odbc connection patterns and implement intrusion detection systems to identify exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and maps to attack techniques in the mitre att&ck framework under initial access and execution phases.
The broader implications for database security highlight the importance of maintaining updated driver components and implementing comprehensive patch management processes. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing affected odbc drivers and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. Regular security testing including penetration testing and code reviews can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other database connectivity components.
Microsoft recommends immediate deployment of security patches and provides detailed guidance through their security bulletin updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for organizations to maintain continuous monitoring of third-party software components and implement robust security controls around database access points. Legacy systems using older odbc driver versions require special attention as they may not receive continued support for security fixes.
Security teams should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing odbc driver vulnerabilities and consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that minimize the attack surface for database connections. Regular training on identifying suspicious database activity patterns helps security personnel respond effectively to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining detailed inventory records of all database connectivity components across the enterprise infrastructure.