CVE-2024-29982 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Microsoft SQL Server 2019, specifically in the OLE DB Driver component. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, indicating that improper handling of memory buffers leads to a buffer overflow condition on the heap. The flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely by sending specially crafted requests to the SQL Server instance using the OLE DB Driver. The vulnerability affects version 15.0.0 of SQL Server 2019 CU 25. Exploitation requires no privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as convincing a user or application to initiate a connection or query that triggers the vulnerability. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning the attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without physical or local access. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), allowing full compromise of the affected system. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component and does not propagate to other components or systems. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the high CVSS score of 8.8 and the critical nature of the vulnerability warrant immediate attention. The lack of an official patch link in the provided data suggests that organizations must monitor Microsoft’s security advisories closely for updates. The vulnerability’s exploitation could lead to remote code execution, enabling attackers to take full control of the SQL Server, access sensitive data, disrupt services, or use the compromised server as a foothold for further network intrusion.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-29982 is significant due to the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server 2019 in enterprise environments, including finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, data corruption, or denial of service, severely affecting business continuity and regulatory compliance, especially under GDPR requirements. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication increases the risk of large-scale attacks, including ransomware deployment or lateral movement within networks. Organizations relying on SQL Server for critical applications may face operational disruptions and reputational damage. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact, sensitive personal and corporate data could be exposed or manipulated, leading to legal and financial consequences. The requirement for user interaction may limit automated mass exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as many applications and services interact with SQL Server automatically or through user-driven processes. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains high.

1. Immediate application of any forthcoming security patches from Microsoft is critical once available. Monitor Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) and trusted vulnerability databases for updates. 2. Implement network-level protections such as restricting access to SQL Server instances via firewalls and network segmentation, allowing only trusted hosts and applications to communicate with the database server. 3. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Review and harden configurations of the OLE DB Driver usage, minimizing unnecessary exposure and disabling or limiting features that invoke the vulnerable component where possible. 5. Conduct user awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering or inadvertent triggering of the vulnerability through user interaction. 6. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity related to SQL Server connections, especially those involving OLE DB Driver interactions. 7. Consider deploying virtual patching via Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) that can detect and block exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability. 8. Maintain regular backups and verify their integrity to ensure rapid recovery in case of compromise. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling exposure of the vulnerable component, enhancing detection capabilities, and preparing for incident response.