CVE-2024-29045 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) affecting Microsoft SQL Server 2019, specifically version 15.0.0 with cumulative update 25. The vulnerability resides in the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server, which is used to facilitate database connectivity and communication. A stack-based buffer overflow occurs when more data is written to a buffer located on the stack than it can hold, potentially overwriting adjacent memory and enabling arbitrary code execution. In this case, the flaw allows a remote attacker to execute code on the affected system without requiring privileges but does require user interaction, such as convincing a user to connect to a malicious SQL Server instance or execute a crafted query. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.5, indicating a high severity with the vector AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack is network-based but requires high attack complexity and user interaction, with no privileges required. Successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the SQL Server instance and potentially the underlying host system. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigation links were provided at the time of publication (April 2024).

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant 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 data disclosure, data manipulation, or complete system takeover, severely impacting business operations and data privacy compliance obligations such as GDPR. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits mass exploitation but targeted attacks, especially spear-phishing or social engineering campaigns, could leverage this vulnerability to gain initial access or lateral movement within networks. Given the critical role of SQL Server in managing sensitive and operational data, exploitation could disrupt services, cause data breaches, and result in financial and reputational damage. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for defenders to patch and mitigate before active exploitation emerges.

1. Immediate deployment of any available security updates or patches from Microsoft once released is critical. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely for updates related to this CVE. 2. Restrict and monitor network access to SQL Server instances, especially those exposed to untrusted networks, to reduce attack surface. 3. Implement strict user access controls and minimize permissions for users interacting with SQL Server to limit potential impact. 4. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted data sources or links that could trigger the vulnerability, reducing the likelihood of successful user interaction exploitation. 5. Employ network-level protections such as Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) with updated signatures to detect anomalous SQL Server traffic patterns. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on SQL Server environments to identify and remediate configuration weaknesses. 7. Enable and review detailed logging and alerting on SQL Server activities to detect suspicious behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical database servers from general user networks, limiting lateral movement opportunities.