CVE-2025-55227 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2025
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2025
CVE-2025-55227 represents a critical command injection vulnerability within SQL Server that enables authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges over network connections. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically addressing improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, which constitutes a fundamental weakness in input validation and command execution handling. The flaw manifests when SQL Server processes user-supplied input that contains malicious command sequences, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary commands into the underlying operating system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the attacker to already possess valid authentication credentials, making it a privilege escalation issue rather than a direct remote code execution vector. However, the impact is significant as it enables attackers to leverage their authenticated access to gain elevated system privileges and potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure. The attack typically involves crafting malicious input that bypasses SQL Server's normal input sanitization mechanisms, allowing command injection into system-level processes. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, where adversaries execute commands through legitimate system interfaces. The operational impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive database resources. Network-based exploitation becomes possible because the vulnerability allows attackers to execute commands remotely through authenticated connections, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SQL Server instances are accessible across network boundaries. The root cause stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient command escaping mechanisms within SQL Server's command processing pipeline. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader database security frameworks, particularly focusing on the principle of least privilege and network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Mitigation strategies should include implementing robust input validation, applying the latest security patches from Microsoft, and configuring network access controls to restrict SQL Server connectivity. Additionally, database administrators should monitor for suspicious command execution patterns and implement comprehensive logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input sanitization and command execution handling in database systems, aligning with industry standards that emphasize secure coding practices and defense-in-depth strategies for protecting enterprise database infrastructure. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes and conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their database environments. The attack surface for this vulnerability includes all SQL Server versions that lack proper command injection prevention mechanisms, making it essential for security teams to maintain updated inventories of database systems and their respective security statuses.