CVE-2024-28937 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) found in Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (GDR) specifically affecting version 15.0.0. 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 and leading to arbitrary code execution. In this case, the flaw allows a remote attacker to execute code on the vulnerable SQL Server instance 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 vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating a high level of severity with critical impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning exploitation can be attempted remotely over the network. The vulnerability scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the exploit affects only the vulnerable component without impacting other components. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered a significant risk. No official patches or mitigation links are provided yet, so organizations must monitor for updates from Microsoft. Given the nature of the vulnerability, successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SQL Server service account, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of critical database services.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk due to the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server 2019 in enterprise environments, including finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure sectors. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation or deletion of critical business information, and disruption of essential services. The ability to execute remote code without authentication increases the threat level, especially in environments where SQL Server instances are exposed to untrusted networks or insufficiently segmented. The requirement for user interaction slightly reduces the immediacy of risk but does not eliminate it, as social engineering or malicious client applications could trigger exploitation. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, successful attacks could result in regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), financial losses, reputational damage, and operational downtime. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but organizations should act swiftly to prevent potential future attacks.

1. Immediate network-level controls: Restrict access to SQL Server instances using firewalls and network segmentation to limit exposure to untrusted networks. 2. Disable or restrict ODBC driver usage where possible, especially for external or less-trusted clients, until patches are available. 3. Implement strict input validation and monitoring on applications interfacing with SQL Server to detect anomalous or malformed queries that could trigger the overflow. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to detect and block suspicious activities related to SQL Server processes. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risk of interacting with untrusted SQL Server instances or executing unverified queries to reduce the likelihood of user interaction exploitation. 6. Monitor official Microsoft channels closely for patches or workarounds and apply updates promptly once available. 7. Conduct vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on SQL Server environments to identify and remediate exposure. 8. Review and enforce the principle of least privilege for SQL Server service accounts to limit the impact of potential code execution. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on reducing attack surface, controlling user interaction vectors, and preparing for rapid patch deployment.