CVE-2024-28933 in ODBC Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2024
Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
This vulnerability affects the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server which is commonly used by applications to connect to sql server databases through odbc protocols. The flaw exists in how the driver processes certain connection strings and parameter values during database communication. Attackers can exploit this remote code execution vulnerability by crafting malicious connection strings or parameters that trigger improper memory handling within the odbc driver components. This vulnerability falls under common weakness enumeration cw 121 which deals with buffer overflows and improper input validation in software systems. The attack typically occurs when applications use user-supplied data to construct odbc connection parameters without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation involves sending specially crafted data through odbc connection strings that cause the driver to allocate insufficient memory buffers or improperly handle string termination sequences. When the vulnerable driver processes these malformed inputs, it can lead to stack corruption, heap corruption, or controlled memory overwrite conditions that allow arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without authentication when applications using odbc connections process untrusted input from network sources. This makes it a high severity threat for systems where sql server connections are exposed to untrusted networks or when applications directly pass user inputs to database connection parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can provide attackers with full system compromise capabilities on servers running affected odbc drivers. Organizations may experience data breaches, lateral movement within their network infrastructure, and potential persistence mechanisms through compromised database connections. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the microsoft odbc driver for sql server including those used in windows operating systems and various sql server editions. Security teams must consider this threat in their attack surface analysis particularly when reviewing applications that handle external data inputs or use odbc connectivity for database operations.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems with microsoft security updates specifically addressing the odbc driver vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should limit direct exposure of sql server instances to untrusted networks while implementing strict input validation for all connection parameters. Organizations should also consider monitoring network traffic for suspicious odbc connection patterns and implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict which applications can use odbc connectivity. The mitre attack framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and execution phases where attackers leverage software vulnerabilities to gain system access. Additional defensive measures include regular vulnerability scanning of odbc components, implementing web application firewalls for database connections, and maintaining updated security baselines for all sql server environments. Compliance with industry standards such as iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework requires organizations to maintain continuous monitoring and remediation processes for identified odbc driver vulnerabilities.