Subject: Microsoft SQL Server Unsupported Version Detection
Tech Stack:
Date Issued:
- Original Date: 2014-04-29
- Last Modified Date: 2022-12-06
Criticality:
- Severity: Critical
- Description: The remote host is running an unsupported version of Microsoft SQL Server, which no longer receives security updates or patches from the vendor, making it susceptible to security vulnerabilities.
Overview:
- Running an unsupported version of Microsoft SQL Server poses significant security risks. Without ongoing support and updates, the system is likely to contain unpatched vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security issues. Microsoft SQL Server versions that have reached their end-of-life (EoL) are no longer maintained, and therefore, it is crucial to upgrade to a supported version to ensure security and compliance.
Attack Mechanisms:
- Exploitation of Known Vulnerabilities:
- Attackers leverage known vulnerabilities in unsupported SQL Server versions to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code.
- Denial of Service:
- Unpatched vulnerabilities may be exploited to crash the database server, resulting in a denial of service.
- Information Disclosure:
- Vulnerabilities could be used to gain access to sensitive information stored or processed by the SQL Server.
Affected Systems:
- Any system running an unsupported version of Microsoft SQL Server.
Mitigation Solution:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to a currently supported version of Microsoft SQL Server. Refer to the Microsoft SQL Server End of Support Overview for details on supported versions and upgrade paths.
- Patch Management: Regularly apply patches and updates to all software components, including the database server and associated libraries.
- Security Best Practices: Implement security best practices, such as regular security audits, using secure configurations, and disabling unnecessary features.
References: