CVE-2024-38087 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (GDR) specifically affecting version 14.0.0. The issue stems from a double free condition (CWE-415) within the SQL Server Native Client OLE DB Provider component. Double free vulnerabilities occur when a program attempts to free the same memory location twice, which can lead to memory corruption, crashes, or arbitrary code execution. In this case, the vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system without requiring privileges but does require user interaction, such as opening a specially crafted file or connecting to a malicious server. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector being network-based (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but user interaction required (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or denial of service. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in July 2024. No public exploits or proof-of-concept code have been reported yet, but the presence of a double free in a widely used database component makes it a critical concern. No patch links are currently provided, indicating that organizations must monitor Microsoft advisories closely for updates. The vulnerability affects a core database product widely used in enterprise environments, increasing its potential impact.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Microsoft SQL Server 2017 in enterprise and critical infrastructure environments such as finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, leading to data breaches, ransomware deployment, or disruption of essential services. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive data could be exfiltrated or destroyed, and systems could be rendered inoperable. Given the network attack vector and no privilege requirements, attackers could target exposed SQL Server instances or trick users into interacting with malicious content, increasing the attack surface. The lack of current known exploits provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score demands urgent attention. Organizations handling regulated data under GDPR must also consider the compliance implications of a breach stemming from this vulnerability.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches immediately once released for SQL Server 2017 (GDR) version 14.0.0. 2. Restrict network exposure of SQL Server instances by limiting access to trusted internal networks and using firewalls to block unauthorized inbound connections. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical database servers from less secure network zones. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to memory corruption exploits. 5. Educate users to avoid interacting with untrusted files or links that could trigger the vulnerability, as user interaction is required. 6. Use SQL Server security best practices such as disabling unused features, enforcing strong authentication, and regularly auditing logs for suspicious activity. 7. Consider deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or heuristics targeting exploitation attempts of this vulnerability once available. 8. Conduct vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify exposed SQL Server instances and verify mitigation effectiveness.