Microsoft SQL Server: Remote code execution via heap-based buffer overflow
Summary
A heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft SQL Server allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over the network. According to the CVSS vector, no privileges or user interaction are required, and the base score is 9.8 (critical). Code would run under the SQL Server service account, so reachable database instances carry the highest risk.
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
Fixed in
- Upper bounds of the affected ranges in the CVE record, which indicate the first fixed builds: 14.0.2150.2, 14.0.3570.2, 15.0.2210.4, 15.0.4510.2, 16.0.1220.3, 16.0.4315.2, 17.0.5045.3, 17.0.1155.3
- Confirm the fixed builds in the MSRC advisory before rollout.
Workaround
Unknown.
Exploitation
Unknown. No exploitation reports or public proof of concept were found for this CVE at the time of writing, but the record is new and this may change.
Our recommendation
- Open the MSRC advisory and confirm the affected and fixed builds.
- Inventory all SQL Server instances (version, build, edition) at customer sites.
- Check whether any SQL Server port is reachable from the internet, from partner VPNs or from guest networks, and restrict access now.
- Apply the vendor update as soon as it is confirmed, testing first where required.
- Review service account privileges and monitor SQL Server logs for unusual activity until patched.
Information from Microsoft (Patch Tuesday November 2026)
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Microsoft Security Update Guide: CVE-2026-116945 msrc.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, 20:21.
Original description (NVD)
Heap-based buffer overflow in SQL Server allows an unauthorized 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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