CVE-2024-38087 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (GDR) specifically affecting version 14.0.0. The vulnerability is classified as a double free issue (CWE-415) within the SQL Server Native Client OLE DB Provider component. A double free vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to free the same memory location twice, which can lead to memory corruption, crashes, or potentially arbitrary code execution. In this case, the flaw allows remote code execution (RCE) without requiring any privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as a user initiating a connection or query that triggers the vulnerability. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network without physical access. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), indicating that successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the SQL Server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or denial of service. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.8, reflecting the critical nature of the vulnerability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and considered exploitable. The lack of published patches at the time of this report increases the urgency for mitigation. The vulnerability affects a widely used enterprise database platform, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Microsoft SQL Server 2017 for critical data storage and processing.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-38087 could be severe. Microsoft SQL Server 2017 remains widely deployed across various sectors including finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing within Europe. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of business-critical applications, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, organizations could face data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), operational downtime, and reputational damage. The remote exploitability without privileges means attackers could target exposed SQL Server instances directly over the network, increasing the risk to organizations with internet-facing database servers or insufficient network segmentation. The requirement for user interaction may limit some attack scenarios but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently interact with database services or where automated processes trigger database queries. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the public disclosure heightens the risk of rapid exploit development.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on reducing the attack surface by restricting network access to SQL Server instances, especially from untrusted networks or the internet. Implement strict firewall rules and network segmentation to limit exposure. 2. Disable or restrict the use of the SQL Server Native Client OLE DB Provider where possible, or configure it to minimize exposure to untrusted inputs. 3. Monitor and audit SQL Server logs and network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Apply the official security patch from Microsoft as soon as it becomes available. In the interim, consider deploying virtual patching via intrusion prevention systems (IPS) or web application firewalls (WAF) that can detect and block exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risk of interacting with untrusted data sources or executing unverified queries that could trigger the vulnerability. 6. Regularly update and maintain SQL Server instances and associated clients to the latest supported versions to reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities. 7. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts or post-exploitation activities.