CVE-2025-47954 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, commonly known as SQL Injection) affecting Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR) version 16.0.0. The flaw arises because the product fails to properly sanitize or neutralize special characters in SQL commands, allowing an attacker who is authorized to access the server over a network to inject malicious SQL code. This injection can manipulate backend database queries, enabling privilege escalation beyond the attacker's original permissions. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited remotely, increasing its threat surface. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction needed. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability's nature and severity make it a critical concern for organizations using this SQL Server version. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention to alternative mitigations and monitoring. The vulnerability could be leveraged to extract sensitive data, modify or delete database contents, or disrupt database availability, severely impacting dependent applications and services.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-47954 can be severe. Microsoft SQL Server is widely used across various industries including finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing in Europe. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, data tampering, and denial of service, undermining trust and compliance with regulations such as GDPR. Privilege escalation could allow attackers to gain administrative control over database servers, potentially pivoting to other internal systems. Critical infrastructure and enterprises with large-scale SQL Server deployments are at heightened risk. The disruption or compromise of databases could result in operational downtime, financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Given the network-based attack vector and no requirement for user interaction, the vulnerability could be exploited by insiders or external attackers who have obtained low-level access, increasing the threat landscape for European entities.

1. Apply official Microsoft patches immediately once they are released for SQL Server 2022 (GDR) version 16.0.0 to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, restrict network access to SQL Server instances to trusted hosts and networks only, employing network segmentation and firewall rules. 3. Enforce the principle of least privilege by reviewing and minimizing database user permissions to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Implement rigorous input validation and parameterized queries in applications interacting with SQL Server to prevent injection attacks. 5. Enable and monitor detailed SQL Server logging and auditing to detect suspicious query patterns indicative of injection attempts. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on SQL injection vectors. 7. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or database activity monitoring tools that can detect and block SQL injection attacks in real time. 8. Educate developers and database administrators about secure coding and configuration practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.