Ethical Kev

Critical SQL Server Privilege‑Escalation Flaw Patched

𝗖𝗩𝗘‑2026‑20803 is a critical elevation‑of‑privilege vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server that lets attackers bypass authentication and gain high‑level system rights over a network. The issue, rated CVSS 7.2 and classified as Important, affects SQL Server 2022 and the newly released SQL Server 2025.

Exploiting the bug requires authorized access and network connectivity, but once successful, threat actors can obtain debugging privileges, perform memory dumping, and potentially extract encrypted data or credentials stored in RAM.

Microsoft issued security updates on January 13 2026. For SQL Server 2022, apply CU22 (build 16.0.4230.2) or the RTM GDR (build 16.0.1165.1). For SQL Server 2025, install the January GDR (build 17.0.1050.2).

Although the vulnerability’s exploitability is deemed “Less Likely,” organizations should prioritize patching, especially for internet‑facing servers or systems handling sensitive data.

Microsoft also advises reviewing deployment architectures and tightening administrative access controls to reduce risk while applying the updates.

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