CVE-2024-28936 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Microsoft SQL Server 2022, specifically affecting the version 16.0.0 with cumulative update 12 (CU 12). The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190, which corresponds to an integer overflow or wraparound issue. This flaw exists within the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server, a critical component that facilitates communication between applications and the SQL Server database engine. The integer overflow can be triggered remotely without requiring any prior authentication, although user interaction is necessary, as indicated by the CVSS vector (UI:R). Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely on the affected system, potentially gaining full control over the SQL Server instance. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or denial of service. The CVSS score of 8.8 (high) reflects the significant risk posed by this vulnerability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the presence of a remote code execution vector and the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server in enterprise environments make this a critical issue to address promptly. The vulnerability was published on April 9, 2024, and was reserved on March 13, 2024. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations and monitor for updates from Microsoft.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-28936 could be substantial due to the extensive deployment of Microsoft SQL Server 2022 in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive personal and corporate data, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, potentially resulting in significant legal and financial penalties. The integrity of critical business data could be compromised, affecting decision-making and operational continuity. Availability disruptions could lead to downtime of essential services, impacting customer trust and causing economic losses. Given the remote code execution capability without authentication, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent footholds, move laterally within networks, or deploy ransomware. The requirement for user interaction slightly reduces the risk but does not eliminate it, especially in environments where automated or semi-automated processes interact with the database. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score necessitates immediate attention.

1. Immediate application of any security updates or patches released by Microsoft for SQL Server 2022 CU 12 should be prioritized once available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict network access to SQL Server instances by implementing strict firewall rules limiting inbound connections to trusted hosts and networks only. 3. Disable or limit the use of the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server where feasible, or enforce strict input validation and sanitization on applications interfacing with the database to reduce the risk of triggering the overflow. 4. Employ network segmentation to isolate critical database servers from less secure network zones. 5. Monitor SQL Server logs and network traffic for unusual activities indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected queries or connections. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risk of social engineering or phishing attempts that could facilitate the required user interaction for exploitation. 7. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting and blocking suspicious code execution. 8. Regularly back up critical databases and verify the integrity of backups to ensure rapid recovery in case of compromise.