CVE-2026-20803: CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function in Microsoft Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR)
Missing authentication for critical function in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-20803) in Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR) arises from missing authentication controls on a critical function, enabling an attacker who already has some level of authorization to escalate privileges remotely. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vendor has released a patch to remediate this issue.
Potential Impact
An attacker with authorized access to the affected SQL Server can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges, potentially gaining higher-level access than intended. This can lead to full compromise of the database server's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits are known currently, but the impact is significant due to the high CVSS score and the nature of privilege escalation.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available for this vulnerability and should be applied promptly to affected Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR) version 16.0.0 instances. Since the vendor has provided an official fix, updating to the patched version is the recommended remediation. No additional mitigations are specified or required beyond applying the patch.
CVE-2026-20803: CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function in Microsoft Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR)
Description
Missing authentication for critical function in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-20803) in Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR) arises from missing authentication controls on a critical function, enabling an attacker who already has some level of authorization to escalate privileges remotely. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vendor has released a patch to remediate this issue.
Potential Impact
An attacker with authorized access to the affected SQL Server can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges, potentially gaining higher-level access than intended. This can lead to full compromise of the database server's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits are known currently, but the impact is significant due to the high CVSS score and the nature of privilege escalation.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available for this vulnerability and should be applied promptly to affected Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR) version 16.0.0 instances. Since the vendor has provided an official fix, updating to the patched version is the recommended remediation. No additional mitigations are specified or required beyond applying the patch.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2025-12-03T05:54:20.370Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69668adaa60475309f9adf34
Added to database: 1/13/2026, 6:11:38 PM
Last enriched: 4/3/2026, 12:40:24 PM
Last updated: 5/10/2026, 9:19:20 AM
Views: 371
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.