CVE-2024-29046 in OLE DB Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2024
Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
The CVE-2024-29046 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server, a component that facilitates database connectivity and data access operations across enterprise environments. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the driver's handling of specific database connection parameters and query structures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of the driver. The flaw specifically manifests when the driver processes certain malformed or crafted database connection strings and query inputs that bypass normal validation mechanisms, ultimately leading to memory corruption and potential code execution privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of OLE DB connection parameters that are processed by the affected driver component. Attackers can craft specially designed database connection strings or query payloads that trigger buffer overflow conditions or other memory corruption vulnerabilities within the driver's processing logic. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially redirect execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the database driver level, meaning successful exploitation can occur without requiring elevated privileges on the target system, as long as the attacker can influence database connection parameters.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-29046 extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader enterprise security implications. Organizations utilizing Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server across their infrastructure face significant risk of unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the driver across different Windows operating systems, making it particularly dangerous for large enterprises with diverse IT infrastructures. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against internal network resources. The attack surface is broad as the driver is commonly used in web applications, enterprise applications, and database connectivity solutions that may be exposed to untrusted input sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-29046 primarily focus on immediate patch management and operational security enhancements. Microsoft has released security updates addressing this vulnerability through the regular security bulletin process, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected systems. Network segmentation and input validation controls should be implemented to reduce the attack surface, particularly for database connectivity components that accept external inputs. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls for database connections and the deployment of intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous connection patterns or query structures that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework places it within the T1071.004 technique category for application layer protocol usage, highlighting the need for comprehensive network monitoring and application control measures to prevent unauthorized database access and exploitation.