Microsoft SQL Server: SQL injection leading to elevation of privilege
Summary
Microsoft SQL Server contains an SQL injection flaw (CWE-89) that lets an authorized attacker with a valid account elevate privileges over the network. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.0 (High). Exploitation requires low privileges and user interaction, so the risk is mainly from insiders, compromised application or service accounts, or attackers already inside the network.
Affected
- SQL Server 2017 GDR: 14.0.0 to before 14.0.2150.2
- SQL Server 2017 CU31 (x64): 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 CU32 (x64): 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 CU27 (x64): 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 GDR (x64): 17.0.1050.2 to before 17.0.1155.3
Fixed in
Patches were published on 10 November 2026. Per secondary sources, fixed builds are 14.0.3570.2 (2017 CU31 and GDR), 15.0.2210.4 (2019 GDR), 15.0.4510.2 (2019 CU32), 16.0.1220.3 (2022 GDR), 16.0.4315.2 (2022 CU27), 17.0.5045.3 (2025 CU10) and 17.0.1155.3 (2025 GDR). Verify all builds and the covering KB articles on MSRC before rollout.
Workaround
- No vendor-documented workaround found. Unknown whether MSRC lists a configuration-based mitigation.
- Apply the security update to supported branches; no workaround is needed then.
Exploitation
- CISA SSVC: exploitation none, not automatable, total technical impact.
- CVE record exploit maturity: unproven.
- Rapid7 rates exploitation as less likely; no public disclosure known.
- No public proof of concept found.
Our recommendation
- Patch SQL Server instances in the next regular maintenance window, starting with production servers that have many application accounts.
- Remove any internet exposure of SQL Server ports now.
- Limit SQL logins and database roles to the minimum required (least privilege).
- Review application code for dynamic SQL built from user input.
- Plan upgrades for SQL Server 2017 servers; GDR security updates are scheduled to end on 12 October 2027.
- Verify the affected builds against MSRC before deployment.
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-2026-118118 (CNA: Microsoft) www.cve.org
- Microsoft Security Update Guide CVE-2026-118118 msrc.microsoft.com
- Strix: CVE-2026-118118 version ranges www.strix.ai
- CVE details and CVSS vector (threatint) cve.threatint.com
- Patch build list November 2026 (updatebureau) updatebureau.com
- Microsoft KB5132748 (SQL Server 2025 GDR) support.microsoft.com
- Rapid7 Patch Tuesday November 2026 www.rapid7.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 11 Nov 2026, 01:53.
Original description (NVD)
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.
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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