CVE-2024-28931 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (CU 12), specifically version 16.0.0. The vulnerability arises from an integer overflow or wraparound condition (CWE-190) in the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server. This flaw can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N), although user interaction is necessary (UI:R). Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability is due to improper handling of integer values within the ODBC driver, which can lead to memory corruption and ultimately remote code execution. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating a high severity level. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and considered critical for organizations using the affected SQL Server version. The vulnerability scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component and does not extend beyond the SQL Server instance. The vulnerability requires user interaction, likely through crafted SQL queries or connections that trigger the overflow condition via the ODBC driver. Given the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server in enterprise environments, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to data confidentiality and system integrity if exploited.

European organizations relying on Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (CU 12) are at risk of remote code execution attacks that could lead to full compromise of database servers. This can result in unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or disruption of critical business operations. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and operational data could be exposed or destroyed. Industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies, which heavily depend on SQL Server for data management, are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for user interaction suggests that exploitation might occur through phishing or social engineering attacks that induce legitimate users or applications to trigger the vulnerability. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits rapidly following public disclosure. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within networks, increasing the potential damage in complex enterprise environments.

1. Immediate application of the latest security updates or patches from Microsoft once available is critical, as no patch links are currently provided but should be monitored closely. 2. Restrict and monitor ODBC driver usage and connections to SQL Server instances, especially from untrusted or external networks. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate database servers from general user networks and limit exposure. 4. Employ strict access controls and multi-factor authentication for users interacting with SQL Server to reduce the risk of user interaction exploitation. 5. Monitor logs for unusual or suspicious SQL queries or connection attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to detect and block anomalous behavior resulting from exploitation. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of social engineering attacks that could trigger this vulnerability. 8. Consider temporarily disabling or limiting ODBC driver features if feasible until patches are applied. 9. Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability scanning focused on SQL Server environments to identify and remediate exposure.