CVE-2024-29048 in OLE DB Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2024
Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
The CVE-2024-29048 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, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of the driver. The flaw affects Microsoft OLE DB Driver versions prior to 12.0.2500.1, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited by attackers without requiring authentication to the target system, as the vulnerability exists within the driver's processing logic itself.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted database connection strings or parameters that trigger buffer overflow conditions within the OLE DB driver implementation. When the driver processes these malicious inputs, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the data, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the process running the driver. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern for database administrators and security professionals managing SQL Server environments. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be initiated through standard database connectivity operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations using Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server in their applications, web services, or database connectivity layers face significant risk, particularly those with exposed database endpoints or applications that process untrusted database connection parameters. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, potentially allowing for lateral movement within corporate networks and access to sensitive data repositories. This aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in network services to gain unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-29048 focus primarily on immediate patching of affected systems, with Microsoft releasing updates to address the buffer overflow conditions in the OLE DB driver. Organizations should prioritize updating all systems running vulnerable versions of the driver, particularly those with internet-facing database connectivity or applications that handle external database connection parameters. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of database systems, while monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous database connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for database connections and regularly auditing database access logs can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability requires minimal authentication to exploit and could allow attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment.