CVE-2024-28934 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 • 06/13/2026
This vulnerability resides in the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server component which facilitates database connectivity operations across various applications and systems. The flaw manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems when the driver processes maliciously crafted data. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems running Microsoft ODBC Driver versions prior to the security patches released by Microsoft. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted SQL queries or connection strings that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption within the driver's processing logic. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack typically requires an attacker to have network access to the target system and the ability to influence data processing through the ODBC driver interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the driver's handling of specific data types and connection parameters during database communication processes. When legitimate applications connect to SQL Server databases using the vulnerable ODBC driver, malicious input can cause the driver to allocate insufficient memory buffers for processing incoming data. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code into the driver's memory space. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication to the database itself, making it accessible to attackers on the network. The exploitation process often involves crafting specific SQL injection payloads or manipulating connection string parameters that are processed by the ODBC driver's internal parsing functions. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a remote code execution technique that can be classified under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where the vulnerability is leveraged to execute code on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across enterprise environments where the affected ODBC driver is deployed for database connectivity. Organizations utilizing applications that rely on ODBC connections to SQL Server databases face potential compromise of their entire database infrastructure if the vulnerability is exploited. The attack surface includes web applications, desktop applications, and middleware systems that depend on ODBC connectivity for database operations. Once exploited, the vulnerability can enable attackers to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also poses significant risk to sensitive data environments where database credentials and access controls are managed through ODBC connections. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the ODBC driver is used in conjunction with applications that handle personally identifiable information, financial data, or other regulated information types. Organizations may experience service disruptions, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties if the vulnerability leads to unauthorized access to critical systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates to the ODBC driver components. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers and restrict outbound connections from applications that use ODBC drivers. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious database connection patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary ODBC connections and implementing strict access controls for database resources. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting application permissions and ensuring that database connections use minimal required credentials. Regular vulnerability assessments and security scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable driver versions within the organization. Network monitoring tools should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, organizations should maintain up-to-date inventory of all ODBC driver installations and ensure regular patch management processes are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.