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CVE-2026-96956 Microsoft CVE debrief

A stack-based buffer overflow in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft SQL Server, including 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2025. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8 and is classified as HIGH severity. The vulnerability can be exploited by an authorized attacker, potentially leading to increased risk of data breaches or unauthorized access. Defenders responsible for SQL Server instances, especially those exposed to the network, should prioritize patching this vulnerability.

Vendor
Microsoft
Product
Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (GDR)
CVSS
HIGH 8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-10-13
Original CVE updated
2026-10-14
Advisory published
2026-10-13
Advisory updated
2026-10-14

Who should care

Defenders responsible for SQL Server instances, especially those exposed to the network, should prioritize patching this vulnerability. This includes operators, platform administrators, vulnerability management teams, and security teams who need to ensure the security and integrity of SQL Server instances.

Why it matters

This vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network, potentially leading to increased risk of data breaches or unauthorized access. Defenders responsible for SQL Server instances, especially those exposed to the network, should prioritize patching this vulnerability.

  • Elevation of privileges by an authorized attacker
  • Potential for lateral movement within the network
  • Increased risk of data breaches or unauthorized access

Technical summary

A stack-based buffer overflow in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft SQL Server, including 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2025. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8 and is classified as HIGH severity. The vulnerability can be exploited by an authorized attacker, potentially leading to increased risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize patching this vulnerability, especially in environments where SQL Server is exposed to the network.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Patch affected versions of Microsoft SQL Server
  • Verify network exposure of SQL Server instances
  • Monitor for suspicious activity on SQL Server instances

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD vulnerability detail provide information on the vulnerability, its severity, and affected versions. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft SQL Server, including 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2025. The CVE record was published on 2026-10-13T20:35:45.884Z and has not been modified since then. The official CVE Program record and NVD detail page provide source-provided CVE metadata and vulnerability assessment.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-96956 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-96956

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-96956 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96956

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • SQL Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/96xxx/CVE-2026-96956.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96956

    Supplemental source - vendor-advisory, patch

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.