CVE-2024-35271 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/09/2024
SQL Server Native Client OLE DB Provider Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2026
This vulnerability exists in the SQL Server Native Client OLE DB Provider component which is part of Microsoft's data access technology stack. The flaw allows remote code execution when maliciously crafted data is processed through the provider's interface, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the SQL Server service account. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling within the OLE DB provider's parsing logic, creating a path for attackers to inject malicious payloads that bypass normal security controls. This issue affects multiple versions of SQL Server and related client components, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where database connectivity is widespread. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw under CWE-119 which addresses memory safety issues related to improper handling of buffer operations and data validation. Attackers can leverage this weakness through various attack vectors including direct database connections, web applications that use the provider, or through compromised intermediate systems that communicate with SQL Server instances.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the OLE DB provider processes untrusted input from external sources without proper sanitization. The flaw typically manifests when applications pass user-supplied data directly to SQL Server Native Client components, particularly when using dynamic SQL queries or when processing data from external sources that may contain malicious payloads. The provider's implementation fails to properly validate the structure and content of incoming data, allowing attackers to craft specially formatted input that triggers memory corruption or unexpected execution paths within the provider's code. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited without authentication in many scenarios, especially when the affected provider is used in web applications or services that accept external input. The attack surface is broad due to the widespread use of OLE DB providers in enterprise environments, making this vulnerability a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. The underlying issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059 which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass full system compromise and data exfiltration. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain unauthorized access to database servers and potentially escalate privileges to system level access, depending on the service account privileges. The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion across multiple databases, potentially exposing sensitive corporate information or financial records. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if data breaches occur as a result of exploitation. The attack can be particularly devastating in scenarios where SQL Server instances are configured with high-privilege accounts or where the database contains personally identifiable information, financial data, or intellectual property. Recovery from exploitation typically involves complete system reinstallation, forensic analysis, and implementation of additional security controls. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in cloud environments where database instances may be exposed to broader network access or where automated deployment processes may inadvertently expose vulnerable components. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular patch management as mitigation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates to all affected SQL Server Native Client components. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit direct access to database servers from untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Input validation and sanitization should be enforced at all application layers that interact with database providers, ensuring that external data is properly validated before being processed by the OLE DB provider. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns or unusual query execution that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of least privilege principles for database service accounts can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other database components. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious database operations. Compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 provides additional guidance for securing database environments against this type of vulnerability. The use of application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting database connectivity. Regular security awareness training for developers should emphasize proper input validation techniques and secure coding practices when working with database connectivity components.