CVE-2024-28928 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the SQL Server Native Client OLE DB Provider component of Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (GDR version 14.0.0). The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of input data leading to a buffer overflow on the stack, which can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring any privileges. However, exploitation requires user interaction, such as convincing a user to connect to a malicious server or open a crafted file. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the SQL Server process, potentially leading to full system compromise including unauthorized data access, modification, or denial of service. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow), a common and dangerous class of memory corruption bugs. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction needed. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component and its privileges. No public exploit code or active exploitation has been reported yet, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. No patches were linked in the provided data, but Microsoft typically releases security updates for such critical issues. The vulnerability affects only the 2017 GDR version (14.0.0), so organizations running other versions or newer releases may not be impacted.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server 2017 in enterprise environments for critical database operations. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, disrupt business operations, or deploy ransomware. The high severity and network accessibility mean attackers can target exposed SQL Server instances without needing credentials, increasing the attack surface. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and services are all at risk. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing—where SQL Server is heavily used—face elevated risks. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the urgency for mitigation, as exploit development may follow public disclosure. The requirement for user interaction slightly reduces risk but does not negate it, especially in environments where users connect to external or untrusted data sources. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to data breaches, regulatory penalties under GDPR, and operational downtime.

1. Apply official Microsoft security updates as soon as they become available for SQL Server 2017 (GDR). Monitor Microsoft’s security advisories closely. 2. Restrict network access to SQL Server instances by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation, allowing only trusted hosts and users to connect. 3. Disable or limit the use of the SQL Server Native Client OLE DB Provider if not required, or restrict its usage to trusted applications. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Educate users about the risks of connecting to untrusted data sources or opening unknown files that might trigger user interaction exploitation vectors. 6. Monitor SQL Server logs and network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Consider deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures tuned for SQL Server exploitation attempts. 8. Maintain regular backups and test restoration procedures to mitigate impact of potential ransomware or destructive attacks leveraging this vulnerability.