CISA has raised an urgent warning regarding a significant SQL injection vulnerability discovered in Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM). This critical flaw, identified as CVE-2024-43468, allows unauthorized attackers to execute malicious commands on affected servers and databases, posing a significant threat to network security.
Details of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-43468, has been officially included in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list as of February 12, 2026. Federal agencies are required to implement patches by March 5, 2026, to comply with federal security mandates. Microsoft Configuration Manager is widely used in IT environments to manage devices, deploy software, and handle updates across Windows networks.
The flaw is located in the console services of the software, where insufficient input sanitization allows for SQL injection attacks. Attackers craft specific HTTP requests to the SCCM server, which are then executed as arbitrary SQL queries on the backend database.
Potential Impact and Exploitation
Once exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to access sensitive data, escalate privileges, or execute operating system commands. Such capabilities can lead to severe outcomes, including ransomware attacks, data breaches, or complete network compromise. Although active exploitation has been reported, detailed information about specific attacks remains limited. Ransomware groups often target tools like SCCM to facilitate rapid lateral movement within networks.
While the exact CVSS score for this vulnerability has not been published, similar SQL injection vulnerabilities, associated with CWE-89, typically receive high severity ratings, often exceeding 8.0 due to the potential for remote code execution.
Mitigation and Recommendations
Microsoft addressed this issue in its November 2024 Patch Tuesday update. Users of SCCM version 2303 and earlier are advised to upgrade to version 2311 or later and apply the necessary patches, such as KB5044285 or newer. Immediate actions include scanning environments with tools like Microsoft Defender or SQL Server Management Studio for suspicious activity.
To mitigate risks, organizations should block traffic from untrusted IPs to SCCM ports and enable SQL injection protection in IIS. Implementing least-privilege database accounts and enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) in cloud environments are also recommended. If patching is not feasible, CISA suggests considering discontinuation of the affected product and conducting thorough investigations for potential compromises.
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by enterprise tools, emphasizing the importance of timely patching and vigilance. Organizations are encouraged to regularly consult CISA’s KEV list and Microsoft’s security advisories for updates. Stay informed by following our cybersecurity updates on Google News, LinkedIn, and X.
