Microsoft SQL Server CVE-2018-8273 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Description

Microsoft SQL Server is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability. Successful exploits can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the SQL Server Database Engine service account. Failed exploit attempts may result in a denial-of-service condition.

Technologies Affected

• Microsoft SQL Server 2016 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
• Microsoft SQL Server 2016 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2
• Microsoft SQL Server 2017 for x64-based Systems

Recommendations

Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
To reduce the impact of latent vulnerabilities, always run nonadministrative software as an unprivileged user with minimal access rights.

Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for signs of anomalous or suspicious activity. This includes but is not limited to requests that include NOP sleds and unexplained incoming and outgoing traffic. This may indicate exploit attempts or activity that results from successful exploits

Implement multiple redundant layers of security.
Memory-protection schemes (such as nonexecutable stack and heap configurations and randomly mapped memory segments) will complicate exploits of memory-corruption vulnerabilities.

Updates are available. Please see the references or vendor advisory for more information.