CVE-2024-28932 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) affecting Microsoft SQL Server 2022, specifically version 16.0.0 (CU 12). The vulnerability resides in the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server, which is used to facilitate communication between client applications and the SQL Server database engine. A heap-based buffer overflow occurs when the application writes more data to a buffer located on the heap than it can hold, potentially overwriting adjacent memory. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, crashes, or other unpredictable behavior. In this case, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute code on the affected system without requiring any prior authentication (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as convincing a user to connect to a malicious SQL Server or execute a crafted query. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning exploitation can occur remotely over the network. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), indicating that an attacker could fully compromise the database server, extract sensitive data, modify or delete data, or disrupt service. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting the high impact and relatively low complexity of exploitation. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the presence of this vulnerability in a widely deployed enterprise database product makes it a significant security concern. No official patches or mitigation links were provided at the time of publication, emphasizing the need for immediate attention from administrators. The vulnerability was reserved in March 2024 and published in April 2024, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-28932 is substantial due to the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server 2022 in enterprise environments across sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government. Successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of critical database servers, resulting in unauthorized data disclosure, data tampering, or denial of service. This could disrupt business operations, cause regulatory compliance violations (e.g., GDPR breaches), and damage organizational reputation. Given the remote attack vector and lack of required privileges, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain initial access or lateral movement within networks. The requirement for user interaction slightly reduces the risk but does not eliminate it, as social engineering or malicious client applications could trigger exploitation. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations handling sensitive personal data or critical infrastructure. Additionally, the absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation before widespread attacks occur.

1. Immediate deployment of any available security updates or patches from Microsoft once released is critical. Monitor Microsoft’s official security advisories and update channels closely. 2. Until patches are available, restrict network access to SQL Server instances by implementing strict firewall rules that limit connections to trusted hosts and networks only. 3. Employ network segmentation to isolate database servers from general user networks and untrusted zones. 4. Disable or restrict the use of the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server on client machines where it is not necessary, reducing the attack surface. 5. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent execution of unauthorized code. 6. Educate users about the risks of connecting to untrusted SQL Server instances or executing unknown queries, as user interaction is required for exploitation. 7. Enable and monitor detailed logging and alerting on SQL Server and network devices to detect suspicious connection attempts or anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on database infrastructure to identify and remediate related weaknesses.