CVE-2024-29985 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 OLE DB Driver for SQL Server, a component used to facilitate database connectivity and operations. A heap-based buffer overflow occurs when data exceeding the allocated buffer size is written to the heap, potentially overwriting adjacent memory. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, memory corruption, or system crashes. In this case, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute code on the affected system without requiring prior authentication (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as a user opening a specially crafted file or connection. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning exploitation can occur remotely over the network without physical access. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), enabling attackers to fully compromise the database server. The scope is unchanged (S:U), indicating the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component and does not extend beyond it. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high CVSS score of 8.8 and the nature of the vulnerability suggest a significant risk if exploited. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on April 9, 2024, and no official patches or mitigations have been linked yet, increasing the urgency for organizations to monitor updates and apply fixes promptly once available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-29985 is substantial 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 full compromise of database servers, resulting in data breaches, loss of sensitive information, unauthorized data manipulation, and potential disruption of business operations. Given the critical role of SQL Server in managing transactional and operational data, an attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access, move laterally within networks, and deploy ransomware or other malicious payloads. The requirement for user interaction may limit mass exploitation but targeted spear-phishing or social engineering campaigns could facilitate attacks against high-value targets. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the vulnerability’s severity and ease of remote exploitation make it a high priority for European organizations to address promptly.

1. Immediate monitoring for official Microsoft security advisories and patches is critical; apply updates as soon as they become available. 2. Restrict network access to SQL Server instances by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation to limit exposure to untrusted networks. 3. Employ application-layer gateways or proxy solutions to inspect and filter traffic destined for SQL Server, reducing the risk of malicious payload delivery. 4. Enforce the principle of least privilege on SQL Server accounts and services to minimize the impact of a potential compromise. 5. Conduct user awareness training focused on recognizing and avoiding social engineering attempts that could trigger the required user interaction for exploitation. 6. Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual memory usage or process injection. 7. Regularly audit and harden SQL Server configurations, disabling unnecessary features and services, including reviewing OLE DB driver usage and restricting it where possible. 8. Implement network intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with updated signatures to detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. 9. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing database compromise scenarios to enable rapid containment and recovery.