Microsoft SQL Server: Elevation of privilege via code injection
Summary
Microsoft SQL Server 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2025 contain a code injection flaw (CWE-94) that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over the network. The attacker needs a valid low-privilege login and network access to the SQL Server, and user interaction is required. Successful exploitation could affect confidentiality, integrity and availability according to the CVSS vector. CISA SSVC lists exploitation as none and not automatable.
Affected
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (GDR): 14.0.0 to before 14.0.2150.2
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017 for x64-based Systems (CU31): 14.0.3006.16 to before 14.0.3570.2
- Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (GDR): 15.0.0 to before 15.0.2210.4
- Microsoft SQL Server 2019 for x64-based Systems (CU32): 15.0.4003.23 to before 15.0.4510.2
- Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (GDR): 16.0.0 to before 16.0.1220.3
- Microsoft SQL Server 2022 for x64-based Systems (CU27): 16.0.4003.1 to before 16.0.4315.2
- Microsoft SQL Server 2025 CU10: 17.0.4006.0 to before 17.0.5045.3
- Microsoft SQL Server 2025 for x64-based Systems (GDR): 17.0.1050.2 to before 17.0.1155.3
Fixed in
- Install the current build of the applicable branch (GDR or CU) or later, as listed in the Microsoft advisory.
- Upper bounds listed in the CVE record (not yet verified against MSRC): 2017 GDR 14.0.2150.2; 2017 CU31 14.0.3570.2; 2019 GDR 15.0.2210.4; 2019 CU32 15.0.4510.2; 2022 GDR 16.0.1220.3.
- SQL Server 2025: covered by the GDR update of November 10, 2026 (KB5132748); the fixed build number is unknown.
Workaround
Unknown. No vendor workaround was found; patching is the available remediation.
Exploitation
- No evidence of exploitation in the wild was found.
- Rapid7 rates the flaw as 'Exploitation Less Likely'.
- The CVSS vector carries exploit maturity E:U (no known exploit).
- Public proof of concept: unknown.
Our recommendation
- Patch all SQL Server instances of versions 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2025, including forgotten or multi-instance servers.
- Check the fixed build numbers against the MSRC advisory before rollout.
- Do not expose SQL Server directly to the internet; restrict TCP 1433 and dynamic ports to application servers and admin networks.
- Audit logins and sysadmin or elevated permissions, and remove unneeded service and application accounts.
- Monitor for unusual privilege changes after patching.
Information from Microsoft (Patch Tuesday November 2026)
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- CVE record CVE-2026-118112 www.cve.org
- MSRC Security Update Guide msrc.microsoft.com
- KB5132748 SQL Server 2025 GDR November 2026 support.microsoft.com
- Rapid7 Patch Tuesday November 2026 www.rapid7.com
- Strix aggregator CVE-2026-118112 (secondary) www.strix.ai
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 11 Nov 2026, 01:55.
Original description (NVD)
Improper control of generation of code ('code injection') in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges 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.
Affected? We can help.
We check whether your systems are affected, install updates and close the gap – continuously with the System Health Checker if you wish.