Microsoft SQL Server: Remote code execution via heap-based buffer overflow
Summary
Microsoft SQL Server contains a heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-122) that allows code execution over the network. An attacker with a valid, low-privileged account can exploit it without user interaction and gain full control over the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the database server. CVSS 8.8 (High).
Affected
- SQL Server 2017 (GDR): 14.0.0 to before 14.0.2150.2
- SQL Server 2017 for x64-based Systems (CU31): 14.0.3006.16 to before 14.0.3570.2
- SQL Server 2019 (GDR): 15.0.0 to before 15.0.2210.4
- SQL Server 2019 for x64-based Systems (CU32): 15.0.4003.23 to before 15.0.4510.2
- SQL Server 2022 (GDR): 16.0.0 to before 16.0.1220.3
- SQL Server 2022 for x64-based Systems (CU27): 16.0.4003.1 to before 16.0.4315.2
- SQL Server 2025 CU10: 17.0.4006.0 to before 17.0.5045.3
- SQL Server 2025 for x64-based Systems (GDR): 17.0.1050.2 to before 17.0.1155.3
Unknown: Older branches such as SQL Server 2016 are not listed in the CVE record.
Fixed in
- SQL Server 2017 (GDR): 14.0.2150.2
- SQL Server 2017 (CU31): 14.0.3570.2
- SQL Server 2019 (GDR): 15.0.2210.4
- SQL Server 2019 (CU32): 15.0.4510.2
- SQL Server 2022 (GDR): 16.0.1220.3
- SQL Server 2022 (CU27): 16.0.4315.2
- SQL Server 2025 (CU10): 17.0.5045.3
- SQL Server 2025 (GDR): 17.0.1155.3
The SQL Server 2025 GDR update of November 10, 2026 (KB5132748) lists this CVE. Verify exact builds on the MSRC advisory before deploying.
Workaround
Unknown. No vendor-published workaround was found. Patching is the recommended measure.
Exploitation
- No evidence found of active exploitation or public proof-of-concept code for this CVE.
- CISA SSVC assessment: Exploitation none, Automatable no, Technical Impact total.
Our recommendation
- Patch affected SQL Server instances to the fixed builds listed above, starting with instances reachable from the internet or from many user workstations.
- Restrict network access to SQL Server ports to the systems that need them.
- Review database logins and remove unused or excessive accounts.
- Monitor SQL Server logs for unusual logins or errors until patching is complete.
Information from Microsoft (Patch Tuesday November 2026)
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- MSRC Security Update Guide: CVE-2026-116941 msrc.microsoft.com
- CVE Record CVE-2026-116941 www.cve.org
- KB5132748: SQL Server 2025 GDR, November 2026 support.microsoft.com
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 10 Nov 2026, 22:33.
Original description (NVD)
Heap-based buffer overflow in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to execute code over a network.
NVD references (1)
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
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