CVE-2024-28929 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (CU 25), specifically affecting version 15.0.0. The vulnerability arises from an integer overflow or wraparound condition (CWE-190) within the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server. This flaw can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication (AV:N/PR:N), although user interaction is necessary (UI:R). The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The root cause is an integer overflow that can lead to memory corruption, enabling remote code execution (RCE). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting the critical nature of the flaw. The vulnerability is publicly disclosed as of April 9, 2024, but no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet. The vulnerability scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the exploit affects only the vulnerable component and does not extend privileges beyond the component boundary. The vulnerability is rated with low attack complexity (AC:L), indicating it is relatively easy to exploit once user interaction occurs, such as opening a specially crafted connection or query via the ODBC driver. The vulnerability is currently without an official patch link, suggesting that mitigation may rely on workarounds or awaiting an official update from Microsoft. Given the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server 2019 in enterprise environments, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations relying on this database platform, especially those exposing SQL Server instances or ODBC connections to untrusted networks or users.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-28929 can be severe. Microsoft SQL Server 2019 is widely deployed across various sectors including finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing. Exploitation could lead to full compromise of database servers, resulting in unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or service disruption. This could cause loss of sensitive personal data protected under GDPR, intellectual property theft, and operational downtime. The remote code execution capability means attackers could pivot within networks, potentially compromising additional systems. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits mass exploitation but targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could facilitate attacks. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for organizations to implement mitigations before active exploitation emerges. However, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability makes this vulnerability a critical concern for organizations with exposed or poorly segmented SQL Server environments.

1. Immediate assessment of all Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (CU 25) instances to identify affected versions (15.0.0). 2. Restrict network access to SQL Server instances and ODBC endpoints to trusted internal networks only, using firewalls and network segmentation to minimize exposure. 3. Implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual ODBC connection attempts or anomalous query patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Educate users and administrators about the risk of social engineering or phishing that could trigger user interaction required for exploitation. 5. Apply any available Microsoft security updates or patches as soon as they are released; monitor Microsoft security advisories closely. 6. If patches are not yet available, consider disabling or limiting the use of the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server where feasible, or use alternative drivers temporarily. 7. Employ application-layer firewalls or intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures targeting this vulnerability once available. 8. Regularly back up databases and verify restoration procedures to mitigate impact of potential compromise. 9. Conduct vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on SQL Server environments to identify and remediate exposure.