Microsoft has disclosed a critical SQL injection vulnerability in SQL Server that could allow authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges over a network.
Tracked as CVE-2025-59499 and assigned an Important severity rating, the vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands, exposing enterprise databases to potential unauthorized administrative access.
The vulnerability, disclosed on November 11, 2025, was assigned a CNA (CVE Numbering Authority) by Microsoft. It has been classified under CWE-89, which addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities in database applications.
The CVSS 3.1 score ranges from 7.7 to 8.8, indicating a significant security risk that demands immediate attention from database administrators and security teams.
What makes this vulnerability particularly concerning is its network-based attack vector. Rather than requiring local access to the affected system, an attacker with valid SQL Server credentials can exploit the vulnerability remotely, potentially compromising the entire database environment.
The vulnerability requires low complexity to exploit and does not require user interaction, making it a straightforward target for threat actors with legitimate database access or those who have obtained valid credentials through other means.
Technical Details
The vulnerability operates through improper input validation in SQL Server query processing engine.
By injecting specially crafted SQL commands, an authenticated attacker can bypass security controls and execute arbitrary SQL code with elevated privileges.
This allows the attacker to manipulate, exfiltrate, or delete sensitive data stored within the database, depending on the scope of the escalated privileges.
The CVSS vector string reveals essential characteristics of the threat. The vulnerability requires low attack complexity, meaning exploitation techniques are straightforward to develop and execute.
The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as high, indicating that successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the affected database.
As of the initial disclosure, Microsoft’s exploitability assessment indicates that exploitation is “Less Likely,” suggesting that public proof-of-concept code or active exploitation is not yet widespread.
However, this classification can change as security researchers develop working exploits or threat actors begin actively targeting this vulnerability.
The vulnerability has not been publicly disclosed in a detailed technical form, and there are no confirmed reports of active exploitation in the wild. However, organizations should not interpret this as a reason to delay patching efforts.
The combination of network accessibility, credential requirements, and high impact makes this an attractive target for insider threats and sophisticated threat actors who have compromised legitimate user accounts.
Recommendations
Microsoft recommends that organizations prioritize patching affected SQL Server instances. Database administrators should review access controls and implement principle-of-least-privilege policies to minimize the impact if credentials are compromised.
Additionally, monitoring SQL Server logs for suspicious query patterns and privilege escalation attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts.
Organizations running SQL Server in production environments should treat this vulnerability with urgency, especially in systems handling sensitive or critical data.
Security teams should coordinate with database administrators to deploy available patches during scheduled maintenance windows and verify that SQL Server instances are fully updated.
This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining robust database security practices, including regular patching schedules, access control reviews, and continuous monitoring of database activity for signs of compromise.
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