Microsoft launched safety updates on January 13, 2026, addressing a essential elevation of privilege vulnerability in SQL Server that allows approved attackers to bypass authentication controls and acquire elevated system privileges remotely.
Tracked as CVE-2026-20803, the vulnerability stems from lacking authentication mechanisms for essential capabilities throughout the database engine.
The flaw impacts a number of SQL Server variations, together with SQL Server 2022 and the just lately launched SQL Server 2025. With a CVSS rating of seven.2, Microsoft categorised the vulnerability as “Vital” severity.
The assault requires excessive privileges and community entry, however as soon as exploited, it grants attackers high-impact capabilities, together with reminiscence dumping and debugging entry, doubtlessly opening gateways for additional system compromise.
CVE IDSeverityCVSS ScoreAttack VectorCVE-2026-20803Important7.2Network
Vulnerability Particulars and Affect
CVE-2026-20803 exploits CWE-306, a weak point involving lacking authentication for essential capabilities.
The vulnerability permits authenticated customers with elevated permissions to escalate their entry past supposed boundaries with out consumer interplay.
An attacker efficiently exploiting this flaw might acquire debugging privileges, dump delicate reminiscence contents, and doubtlessly entry encrypted knowledge or extract database credentials saved in reminiscence.
The vulnerability obtained a “Much less Seemingly” exploitability evaluation at publication, indicating it requires particular preconditions and is unlikely to be extensively exploited within the instant time period.
Nonetheless, Microsoft has not disclosed stories of energetic exploitation or public disclosure makes an attempt.
Microsoft supplied safety updates throughout affected SQL Server variations by means of Common Distribution Launch (GDR) and Cumulative Replace (CU) pathways.
Organizations operating SQL Server 2022 ought to apply both CU22 (construct 16.0.4230.2) or RTM GDR (construct 16.0.1165.1) updates. SQL Server 2025 customers should set up the January GDR replace (construct 17.0.1050.2).
Organizations ought to prioritize patching methods in internet-facing environments or these dealing with delicate knowledge.
Microsoft recommends reviewing deployment architectures and limiting administrative entry to reduce exploitation danger throughout replace home windows.
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