CVE-2024-29983 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) found in Microsoft SQL Server 2019, specifically in the OLE DB Driver component. This vulnerability affects version 15.0.0 (CU 25) of SQL Server 2019. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system by sending specially crafted requests to the OLE DB Driver. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring any prior authentication (AV:N/PR:N), but it does require user interaction (UI:R), such as a user initiating a connection or query that triggers the vulnerable code path. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning a successful exploit could lead to full system compromise, data theft, data manipulation, or denial of service. The scope is unchanged (S:U), indicating the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component and does not extend beyond it. The CVSS score of 8.8 reflects the high risk posed by this vulnerability. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the presence of a remote code execution vector in a widely deployed database server product makes this a critical concern for organizations relying on Microsoft SQL Server 2019. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for mitigation and monitoring. The vulnerability was reserved on March 22, 2024, and publicly disclosed on April 9, 2024, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-29983 could be significant due to the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server 2019 in enterprise environments, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical business applications, and potential lateral movement within networks. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, organizations could face data breaches, operational downtime, and compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. The remote code execution nature of the vulnerability means attackers could deploy malware, ransomware, or establish persistent backdoors, amplifying the threat landscape. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users regularly interact with database-driven applications. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score suggests attackers may develop exploits soon, increasing urgency for mitigation.

1. Immediate deployment of any available security updates or patches from Microsoft as they become available is critical. Monitor Microsoft’s security advisories closely for patch releases related to this vulnerability. 2. Implement network-level controls to restrict access to SQL Server instances, such as limiting inbound connections to trusted IP addresses and using VPNs or private networks to reduce exposure. 3. Employ application-layer filtering and input validation to reduce the risk of triggering the vulnerable code path via malicious queries or payloads. 4. Enable and monitor detailed logging and alerting on SQL Server activities to detect unusual or suspicious behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Use Microsoft’s recommended security configurations for SQL Server, including disabling unnecessary features and services related to OLE DB if not required. 6. Conduct user awareness training to minimize risky interactions that could trigger the vulnerability, especially for users who interact with database applications. 7. Consider deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) or database activity monitoring tools that can identify and block exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential exploitation of SQL Server vulnerabilities to ensure rapid containment and recovery.