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) affects Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR) version 16.0.0. It involves missing authentication for a critical function, which enables an attacker with existing authorization to elevate their privileges remotely over the network. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function). Microsoft has published an official fix to address this issue.
Potential Impact
An authorized attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate privileges on the affected SQL Server instance, potentially gaining higher-level access and control. This can lead to full compromise of the database server's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users should apply the security update provided by Microsoft for SQL Server 2022 (GDR) version 16.0.0 as detailed in the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-20803.
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.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.2high
Affected software
Microsoft
Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR)
Microsoft
Microsoft SQL Server 2022 for x64-based Systems (CU 22)
Microsoft
Microsoft SQL Server 2025 for x64-based Systems (GDR)
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-20803) affects Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR) version 16.0.0. It involves missing authentication for a critical function, which enables an attacker with existing authorization to elevate their privileges remotely over the network. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function). Microsoft has published an official fix to address this issue.
Potential Impact
An authorized attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate privileges on the affected SQL Server instance, potentially gaining higher-level access and control. This can lead to full compromise of the database server's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users should apply the security update provided by Microsoft for SQL Server 2022 (GDR) version 16.0.0 as detailed in the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-20803.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2025-12-03T05:54:20.370Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-20803","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 69668adaa60475309f9adf34
Added to database: 01/13/2026, 18:11:38 UTC
Last enriched: 07/30/2026, 23:50:58 UTC
Last updated: 09/10/2026, 22:26:09 UTC
Views: 481
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