CVE-2024-28934 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) 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 applications and the SQL Server database engine. This flaw allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system without requiring any prior authentication, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R). The vulnerability requires user interaction, likely in the form of a specially crafted query or connection request that triggers the buffer overflow in the ODBC driver stack. Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the SQL Server instance, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the database and potentially the underlying host system. The CVSS score of 8.8 (high) reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability, with high impact on all three security properties and relatively low attack complexity. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the presence of a remote code execution vector in a widely deployed enterprise database product makes this a significant threat. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on April 9, 2024, with no patch links currently available, indicating that organizations must prioritize monitoring and mitigation efforts immediately. Given the central role of SQL Server in enterprise environments, exploitation could enable attackers to gain persistent access, escalate privileges, and move laterally within networks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-28934 is substantial. Microsoft SQL Server is widely used across various sectors including finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing, all of which handle sensitive personal and business-critical data. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, data manipulation, and service disruption, severely affecting business operations and regulatory compliance, especially under GDPR. The ability to execute code remotely without authentication increases the risk of widespread compromise, ransomware deployment, or espionage activities. Critical infrastructure and public sector entities relying on SQL Server could face operational outages and data breaches, undermining trust and causing financial and reputational damage. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on interim controls, increasing the window of exposure. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction may limit automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as social engineering or malicious client applications could trigger the vulnerability.

1. Immediate deployment of network-level controls to restrict access to SQL Server instances, especially from untrusted networks or the internet, using firewalls and network segmentation. 2. Implement strict monitoring and logging of SQL Server and ODBC driver activities to detect anomalous queries or connection attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. 3. Enforce the principle of least privilege on SQL Server accounts and service accounts to limit the potential impact of a compromised instance. 4. Disable or restrict the use of the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server where possible, or configure it to accept connections only from trusted applications and users. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risk of social engineering attacks that could trigger the vulnerability via user interaction. 6. Prepare for rapid patch deployment by establishing a testing and deployment pipeline, as Microsoft is expected to release a security update. 7. Utilize application-layer firewalls or database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and block exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability. 8. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on SQL Server environments to identify and remediate exposure.