🟡 CVE-2019-1068

CVE-2019-1068 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server caused by improper handling of internal function processing (input validation flaw, CWE-20). Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution in the context of the SQL Server Database Engine service account. While it carries a NETWORK attack vector and is now in CISA KEV, exploitation requires authenticated access (PR:L) to the database instance, and SQL Server is generally not recommended to be internet-facing.

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MEDIUM_RISK
Risk Level
8.8
CVSS Score
NETWORK
Attack Vector
Initial Access
ATT&CK Tactic
T1190 — Exploit Public-Facing Application
ATT&CK Technique
MEDIUM
Deployment Risk
No
Ransomware

📋 Vulnerability Details

Data Source: CIRCL

Confidence: HIGH

Exploitation Method: DIRECT_NETWORK

CVE Published: 2019-07-15

Added to CISA KEV: 2026-08-26 2599 DAYS BETWEEN CVE AND KEV

🎯 Recommendations:

🔍 Web Intelligence (Kagi · 2026-09-14)

Summary

CVE-2019-1068 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server that arises when the software incorrectly handles the processing of certain internal functions [1][5]. This flaw is significant because successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the SQL Server Database Engine service account, potentially granting full control over the affected database system [1].

Exploitation

  • Active Exploitation: This vulnerability is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming that it has been actively exploited in real-world attacks [2][3].
  • Threat Actors/Campaigns: While specific threat actor attribution is not detailed, its inclusion in the CISA KEV catalog underscores its priority for remediation due to confirmed weaponization [3].
  • PoC/Exploit Availability: Publicly available information includes root cause analysis and proof-of-concept research related to a stack overflow in `svl.dll`, which has been documented by security researchers [4].
  • Attack Prerequisites: The exploit typically requires the attacker to have the ability to interact with the SQL Server instance; the exact requirements depend on the specific implementation, but remote execution is the primary risk vector.

Affected Products & Patches

  • Affected Versions: Vulnerable versions include various iterations of Microsoft SQL Server (specifically noted in components like SQL Server 2017) [1].
  • Patches: Microsoft released security updates to address this vulnerability (e.g., KB4505224 for SQL Server 2017) [1].
  • Mitigation/Workarounds: The primary mitigation is applying the official security patches provided by Microsoft. CISA has mandated remediation for affected systems with specific deadlines to ensure compliance and security [2].

Impact

  • Access/Capability: Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to execute code with the permissions of the SQL Server Database Engine service account, which often includes extensive read/write access to the database and potential system-level impact depending on the service configuration [1].
  • Business Risk: For internet-facing deployments, the risk is critical as it provides a pathway for unauthorized remote access, data exfiltration, and potential compromise of the entire database server host, leading to severe operational and compliance consequences [2].

Sources

  1. KB4505224 - Description of the security update for SQL Server 2017 GDR ...

    Summary A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SQL Server when it incorrectly handles processing of internal functions. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute code in the context of the SQL Server Database Engine service account. To learn more abou…

  2. Microsoft SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

    If Microsoft SQL Server runs inside your authorization boundary, CVE-2019-1068 creates a direct FedRAMP compliance obligation. CISA lists this ... If Microsoft SQL Server runs inside your authorization boundary, CVE-2019-1068 creates a direct FedRAMP compliance obligation. CISA lists this vulnerabil…

  3. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) – CVEFeed Catalog

    CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog is the authoritative list of security flaws that have been confirmed exploited in real-world attacks. CVEFeed.io mirrors every entry, joins it to full CVE and severity data, and tracks new additions so you can prioritize remediation the moment a v…

  4. GitHub - Vulnerability-Playground/CVE-2019-1068: Root cause...

    CVE-2019-1068. Root cause analysis and PoC for a Microsoft SQL Server Stack Overflow Vulnerability by reversing “svl.dll”. Links to our workhttps://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2019-1068. About. Root cause analysis and PoC for a Microsoft SQL Server Stack Overflow Vulnerability…

  5. CVE-2019-1068 - Microsoft SQL Server Remote Code Execution...

    Vulnerability-Playground/CVE-2019-1068. Root cause analysis and PoC for a Microsoft SQL Server Stack Overflow Vulnerability by reversing svl.dll.The following table lists the changes that have been made to the CVE-2019-1068 vulnerability over time. Vulnerability history details can be useful for und…