CVE-2024-28936 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 exists in Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the driver's handling of certain database connection parameters, specifically when processing malformed connection strings or query data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious connection strings that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions during the parsing process. The flaw affects multiple versions of the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server and is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking occurs when processing user-supplied input within the driver's connection string parsing logic. When the driver encounters specially crafted parameters in database connection strings, it fails to properly validate the length or content of these inputs, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability is classified as a CWE-121 buffer overflow condition under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses issues related to insufficient bounds checking in memory operations. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the ODBC driver is commonly used across various applications and systems, making it a prime target for exploitation at scale.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond individual system compromise as it can facilitate lateral movement within networks where SQL Server connections are prevalent. Organizations using Microsoft ODBC drivers in their database infrastructure face significant risk since attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on target systems, potentially leading to full network compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through legitimate database connection processes, making detection more difficult for security monitoring systems. According to ATT&CK framework category T1210, this represents a technique for exploiting remote services and establishing persistent access through database connections.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Microsoft ODBC Driver versions while implementing network segmentation controls to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous connection string patterns or unusual database query behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary database connectivity where possible, implementing strict access controls for database connections, and conducting thorough security assessments of all applications that utilize the affected ODBC drivers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can have significant security implications across enterprise environments.