Appsecure logo

CVE-2024-37341: High Vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server

A high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Microsoft SQL Server. It can be exploited over the network, potentially allowing unauthorized access and significant data impact. Organizations should address this vulnerability promptly.

HIGHCVSS 8.8 · Published September 10, 2024

Not a customer? See how AppSecure simulates real world attacks to protect your infrastructure.

Speak to Experts

CVE-2024-37341 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Microsoft SQL Server. This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges on affected systems, leading to potential unauthorized access to sensitive data. With a CVSS score of 8.8, it is categorized as high severity due to its significant risk potential to organizations.

The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft SQL Server, including SQL Server 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022. Organizations utilizing these versions are at risk, particularly those that have not updated to the latest patches. The urgency for defenders is high, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to exploit systems.

As of now, no public exploit has been confirmed, and the vulnerability is not actively being exploited in the wild. However, the high CVSS score indicates that the potential impact could be severe if exploited. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.

To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations must ensure they have the latest security patches applied. Without timely updates, the risk of exploitation remains a significant concern.

Vulnerability Details

Microsoft SQL Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability is classified under CWE-284. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8 based on the metrics provided by Microsoft, indicating a high severity rating. The vulnerability affects the following products: SQL Server 2016, SQL Server 2017, SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2022, and the SQL 2016 Azure Connect Feature Pack.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized elevation of privileges. The attack vector is network-based, making it accessible over the internet. The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal effort from an attacker. Privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are classified as low, and no user interaction is necessary.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability due to the nature of the privilege escalation. Organizations must be aware of potential data exposure and unauthorized modifications.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2024-37341 is significant, as it allows attackers to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication. The blast radius could affect numerous systems running the vulnerable versions of Microsoft SQL Server, leading to extensive unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts. Given the CVSS score of 8.8 and its potential for exploitation, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The following versions of Microsoft SQL Server are affected by this vulnerability: SQL Server 2016 (13.0.7000.253 to 13.0.7040.1), SQL Server 2017 (14.0.1000.169 to 14.0.2060.1 and 14.0.3006.16 to 14.0.3475.1), SQL Server 2019 (15.0.2000.5 to 15.0.2120.1 and 15.0.4003.23 to 15.0.4390.2), SQL Server 2022 (16.0.1000.6 to 16.0.1125.1 and 16.0.4003.1 to 16.0.4140.3). Organizations using these versions should upgrade to the latest patches to mitigate risk.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations must apply the latest patches provided by Microsoft to remediate CVE-2024-37341. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to vulnerable systems and segmenting network environments to limit exposure.

For more detailed guidance on security measures, organizations can consult resources on penetration testing and other security assessments to identify weaknesses.

Detection Guidance

To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unauthorized access attempts and review system changes for abnormal behavior. Behavioral anomalies such as unexpected privilege escalations should be investigated thoroughly.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2024-37341 highlights the ongoing risk posed by vulnerabilities in widely used software. The lack of known exploits does not diminish the necessity for vigilant patch management. Organizations are encouraged to enhance their security posture by conducting regular assessments and adopting a proactive approach to vulnerability management.

For further information on vulnerability management best practices, organizations should refer to the following resources: vulnerability management program, penetration testing methodology, and API security testing resources to better safeguard their systems.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

Latest CVEs. Recently published vulnerabilities from the NVD database.

View all vulnerabilities
CVE IDSeverity
CVE-2025-65418HIGH
CVE-2025-65417MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65416MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65415MEDIUM
CVE-2025-61314HIGH

Protect Your Business with Hacker-Focused Approach.