CVE-2024-29043 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 • 05/10/2026
This vulnerability resides in the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server component which serves as a critical interface for database connectivity in enterprise environments. The flaw manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems when the driver processes specially crafted data packets. This represents a severe security risk as the ODBC driver is widely deployed across organizations for database communications, making the attack surface extensive. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the driver's handling of connection strings and query parameters, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious payloads that bypass normal security controls. The technical implementation involves memory corruption issues that occur when the driver fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied data before processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to target systems. Organizations relying on SQL Server connectivity through ODBC drivers face potential complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, deploy additional malware, or conduct advanced persistent threats against network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server and can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed database services. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a critical threat vector that could enable attackers to bypass traditional network security controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Microsoft security updates and implementation of network segmentation to limit exposure of database services. Organizations should deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious ODBC traffic patterns and implement strict access controls for database connections. Network administrators must configure firewalls to restrict access to SQL Server ports and implement monitoring for unusual connection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and follows ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary ODBC drivers, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of database connectivity configurations. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing ODBC driver vulnerabilities and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to mitigate potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.