CVE-2024-49006 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2024
SQL Server Native Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2026
The SQL Server Native Client remote code execution vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through maliciously crafted SQL commands. This vulnerability primarily affects Microsoft SQL Server Native Client components that handle database connections and query execution. The flaw stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the client libraries that process SQL queries, creating opportunities for buffer overflows or injection attacks. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory locations and potentially execute malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the SQL Server Native Client processes malformed SQL statements that contain overly long input strings or specially crafted payloads. The client library fails to properly validate the length or content of incoming data before processing it, leading to memory corruption that attackers can leverage to redirect execution flow. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. The flaw typically manifests during connection establishment or query execution phases when the client processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization. Attackers can construct malicious SQL queries that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the SQL Server service account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise and data theft scenarios. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain persistent access to database servers and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that utilize SQL Server Native Client for database connectivity, which includes numerous enterprise applications and web services. System administrators may face challenges in detecting exploitation attempts since the malicious activity can appear as legitimate database operations. Organizations with inadequate monitoring and logging capabilities are particularly vulnerable to undetected compromise. The attack surface is broad as any application using SQL Server Native Client for database interactions could be targeted, including web applications, desktop applications, and server-side components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate patching of affected systems, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring capabilities. Microsoft releases security updates through regular patch cycles, and organizations should prioritize deployment of relevant security patches to address the vulnerability. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious database traffic patterns and potential exploitation attempts. Input validation and sanitization should be implemented at application layers to prevent malicious SQL injection attempts even if the underlying vulnerability remains unpatched. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that SQL Server service accounts operate with minimal required permissions and that database connections are properly authenticated. Organizations should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous database activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may be using outdated SQL Server Native Client components. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring tools can help detect and alert on suspicious query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.