Improper neutralization of special elements used in an sql command ('sql injection') in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges...
Description
Improper neutralization of special elements used in an sql command ('sql injection') in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Apply vendor patches immediately. Review database access controls and enable query logging.
Description Summary:
A SQL injection vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server allows an authenticated attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Executive Summary:
An authenticated SQL injection vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server facilitates unauthorized privilege escalation, posing a significant risk to database integrity and system security.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2025-49758
Affected Software: Microsoft SQL Server
Affected Versions: Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 3 (GDR) 13.0.0 up to 13.0.6465.1, 2016 SP3 Azure Connect Feature Pack 13.0.0 up to 13.0.7060.1, 2017 (CU 31) 14.0.0 up to 14.0.3500.1, 2017 (GDR) 14.0.0 up to 14.0.2080.1, 2019 (CU 32) 15.0.0.0 up to 15.0.4440.1, and 2019 (GDR) 15.0.0 up to 15.0.2140.1.
Vulnerability: This is an SQL injection flaw (CWE-269) occurring within SQL Server commands. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have low-level privileges to successfully execute the injection and achieve privilege escalation.
Business Impact
The ability for a low-privileged user to escalate privileges via SQL injection directly threatens the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the database environment. Given the high CVSS score of 8.8, this flaw could lead to full administrative compromise of the database server, resulting in unauthorized data exfiltration or total system takeover.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Apply the relevant security updates provided by Microsoft in the official update guide to address the vulnerable builds listed.
Proactive Monitoring: Review database access logs for unusual query patterns, particularly those originating from low-privileged service accounts or standard user roles.
Compensating Controls: Ensure that database service accounts follow the principle of least privilege and utilize a Web Application Firewall or database firewall to filter malicious SQL syntax.
Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: No (exploit_available: false).
Analyst Notes: As of August 13, 2025, there is no public information indicating active exploitation or a public proof of concept for this vulnerability. The flaw's requirement for existing user privileges slightly limits the attack surface, but the potential for full privilege escalation remains a high-severity concern.
Analyst Recommendation
This vulnerability represents a critical risk to database environments due to the potential for privilege escalation. Administrators should prioritize patching the affected SQL Server instances immediately to prevent exploitation by malicious insiders or compromised user accounts.