CVE-2026-21262
published 2026-03-10CVE-2026-21262: Improper access control in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
PriorityP184high8.8CVSS 3.1
AVNACLPRLUINSUCHIHAH
ITWVulnCheck KEV
Exploited in the wild
EPSS
2.04%
79.0th percentile
Improper access control in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Affected
26 ranges· showing 25
| Vendor | Product | Version range | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2016_service_pack_3 | >= 13.0.0 < 13.0.6480.4 | 13.0.6480.4 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2016_service_pack_3_azure_connect_feature_pack | >= 13.0.0 < 13.0.7075.5 | 13.0.7075.5 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2017 | >= 14.0.0 < 14.0.3520.4 | 14.0.3520.4 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2017 | >= 14.0.0 < 14.0.2100.4 | 14.0.2100.4 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2019 | >= 15.0.0 < 15.0.2160.4 | 15.0.2160.4 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2019 | >= 15.0.0.0 < 15.0.4460.4 | 15.0.4460.4 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2022 | >= 16.0.0 < 16.0.1170.5 | 16.0.1170.5 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2022_for_x64-based_systems | >= 16.0.0.0 < 16.0.4240.4 | 16.0.4240.4 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2025 | >= 17.0.0.0 < 17.0.4020.2 | 17.0.4020.2 |
| microsoft | microsoft_sql_server_2025_for_x64-based_systems | >= 17.0.1050.2 < 17.0.1105.2 | 17.0.1105.2 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2016 | >= 13.0.6300.2 < 13.0.6480.4 | 13.0.6480.4 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2016 | >= 13.0.7000.253 < 13.0.7075.5 | 13.0.7075.5 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2017 | >= 14.0.1000.169 < 14.0.2100.4 | 14.0.2100.4 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2017 | >= 14.0.3006.16 < 14.0.3520.4 | 14.0.3520.4 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2019 | >= 15.0.2000.5 < 15.0.2160.4 | 15.0.2160.4 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2019 | >= 15.0.4003.23 < 15.0.4460.4 | 15.0.4460.4 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2022 | >= 16.0.1000.6 < 16.0.1170.5 | 16.0.1170.5 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2022 | >= 16.0.4003.1 < 16.0.4240.4 | 16.0.4240.4 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2025 | >= 17.0.1000.7 < 17.0.1105.2 | 17.0.1105.2 |
| microsoft | sql_server_2025 | >= 17.0.4006.2 < 17.0.4020.2 | 17.0.4020.2 |
| msrc | microsoft_sql_server_2016_for_x64-based_systems_service_pack_3 | — | — |
| msrc | microsoft_sql_server_2016_for_x64-based_systems_service_pack_3_azure_connect_fea | — | — |
| msrc | microsoft_sql_server_2017_for_x64-based_systems | — | — |
| msrc | microsoft_sql_server_2019_for_x64-based_systems | — | — |
| msrc | microsoft_sql_server_2022_for_x64-based_systems | — | — |
Detection & IOCsextracted from sources · hover to see the quote
- →Target privilege: attacker elevates to SQL Server sysadmin role over the network; monitor for unexpected sysadmin role grants to low-privileged SQL logins ↗
- →Post-exploitation indicator: monitor for xp_cmdshell being enabled by non-administrative accounts, as sysadmin access allows enabling it in seconds to execute OS-level commands ↗
- →Scope: all SQL Server versions from 2016 SP3 through 2025 are affected; audit exposed instances and prioritize patching across this entire range ↗
- →Exploitation method: an authenticated attacker with explicit permissions logs in to SQL Server and exploits the improper access control to elevate to sysadmin; monitor for privilege escalation events from accounts with only explicit (non-sysadmin) permissions ↗
- →Vulnerability is publicly disclosed (zero-day at patch time) with no confirmed in-the-wild exploitation yet; treat as high-urgency given public disclosure status ↗
- ·xp_cmdshell is disabled by default but can be re-enabled instantly by any sysadmin; verify this setting is disabled and audit who holds sysadmin role as a compensating control ↗
- ·SQL Server instances on Windows Azure (IaaS) require manual patching via Microsoft Update or manual download — they are not automatically patched ↗
- ·Switching from GDR to CU update path is a one-way, irreversible change; choose the correct update track before applying patches ↗
CVSS provenance
nvdv3.18.8HIGHCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
vulncheck8.8HIGH
vendor_msrc8.8HIGH
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GHSA
GHSA-wmrr-4347-6m3q: Improper access control in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network
ghsa_unreviewed·2026-03-10
CVE-2026-21262 [HIGH] CWE-284 GHSA-wmrr-4347-6m3q: Improper access control in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network
Improper access control in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
VulnCheck
Microsoft sql_server_2016 Improper Access Control
vulncheck·2026·CVSS 8.8
CVE-2026-21262 [HIGH] Microsoft sql_server_2016 Improper Access Control
Microsoft sql_server_2016 Improper Access Control
Improper access control in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Affected: Microsoft sql_server_2016
Required Action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Exploitation References: https://www.recordedfuture.com/blog/march-2026-cve-landscape
Microsoft
SQL Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
vendor_msrc·2026-03-10·CVSS 8.8
CVE-2026-21262 [HIGH] CWE-284 SQL Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
SQL Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Description: Improper access control in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
FAQ: What privileges could be gained by an attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain SQL sysadmin privileges.
FAQ: I am running SQL Server on my system. What action do I need to take?
Update your relevant version of SQL Server. Any applicable driver fixes are included in those updates.
There are GDR and/or CU (Cumulative Update) updates offered for my version of SQL Server. How do I know which update to use?
First, determine your SQL Server version number. For more information on determining your SQL Server version number, see Microsoft Know
No detection rules found.
No public exploits indexed.
Sophos
March Patch Tuesday visits 15 product families
blogs_sophos·2026-03-13
March Patch Tuesday visits 15 product families
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Krebs
Microsoft Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Edition
blogs_krebs·2026-03-11·CVSS 8.8
CVE-2026-21262 [HIGH] Microsoft Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Edition
Microsoft Corp. today pushed security updates to fix at least 77 vulnerabilities in its Windows operating systems and other software. There are no pressing “zero-day” flaws this month (compared to February’s five zero-day treat), but as usual some patches may deserve more rapid attention from organizations using Windows. Here are a few highlights from this month’s Patch Tuesday.
Two of the bugs Microsoft patched today were publicly disclosed previously. CVE-2026-21262 is a weakness that allows an attacker to elevate their privileges on SQL Server 2016 and later editions.
“This isn’t just any elevation of privilege vulnerability, either; the advisory notes that an authorized attacker can elevate privileges to sysadmin over a network,” Rapid7’s Adam Barnett said. “The CVSS v3 base score of
Krebs
Microsoft Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Edition
blogs_krebs·2026-03-11·CVSS 8.8
CVE-2026-2126 [HIGH] Microsoft Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Edition
Microsoft Corp. today pushed security updates to fix at least 77 vulnerabilities in its Windows operating systems and other software. There are no pressing “zero-day” flaws this month (compared to February’s five zero-day treat), but as usual some patches may deserve more rapid attention from organizations using Windows. Here are a few highlights from this month’s Patch Tuesday.
Image: Shutterstock, @nwz.
Two of the bugs Microsoft patched today were publicly disclosed previously. CVE-2026-21262 is a weakness that allows an attacker to elevate their privileges on SQL Server 2016 and later editions.
“This isn’t just any elevation of privilege vulnerability, either; the advisory notes that an authorized attacker can elevate privileges to sysadmin over a network,” Rapid7’s Adam Barnett said
Talos
Microsoft Patch Tuesday for March 2026 — Snort rules and prominent vulnerabilities
blogs_talos·2026-03-10·CVSS 8.8
CVE-2026-26110 [HIGH] Microsoft Patch Tuesday for March 2026 — Snort rules and prominent vulnerabilities
Microsoft has released its monthly security update for March 2026 which includes 79 vulnerabilities, including three that Microsoft marked as “critical.” The remaining vulnerabilities listed are classified as “important.” Microsoft assessed that exploitation of the three “critical” vulnerabilities is “less likely.”
CVE-2026-26110 and CVE-2026-26113 are “critical” Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities that could allow an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally; the former is a type confusion issue caused by access to a resource using an incompatible type, and the latter is an untrusted pointer dereference.
CVE-2026-26144 is a “critical” information disclosure vulnerability affecting Microsoft Excel. This vulnerability is due to improper neutralization of input in Mi
Talos
Microsoft Patch Tuesday for March 2026 — Snort rules and prominent vulnerabilities
blogs_talos·2026-03-10·CVSS 8.8
CVE-2026-26110 [HIGH] Microsoft Patch Tuesday for March 2026 — Snort rules and prominent vulnerabilities
## Microsoft Patch Tuesday for March 2026 — Snort rules and prominent vulnerabilities
Microsoft has released its monthly security update for March 2026 which includes 79 vulnerabilities, including three that Microsoft marked as “critical.” The remaining vulnerabilities listed are classified as “important.” Microsoft assessed that exploitation of the three “critical” vulnerabilities is “less likely.”
CVE-2026-26110 and CVE-2026-26113 are “critical” Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities that could allow an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally; the former is a type confusion issue caused by access to a resource using an incompatible type, and the latter is an untrusted pointer dereference.
CVE-2026-26144 is a “critical” information disclosure vulnerability affecti
Tenable
March 2026 Microsoft Patch Tuesday | Tenable®
blogs_tenable·2026-03-10·CVSS 8.8
CVE-2026-21262 [HIGH] March 2026 Microsoft Patch Tuesday | Tenable®
Blog / Cyber Exposure Alerts
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# Microsoft’s March 2026 Patch Tuesday Addresses 83 CVEs (CVE-2026-21262, CVE-2026-26127)
Research Special Operations
March 10, 2026
4 Min Read
1. 8Critical
2. 75Important
3. 0Moderate
4. 0Low
Microsoft addresses 83 CVEs including two vulnerabilities that were publicly disclosed prior to a patch being released.
Microsoft patched 83 CVEs in its March 2026 Patch Tuesday release, with eight rated critical and 75 rated as important. Our counts omitted one CVE (CVE-2026-26030) assigned by GitHub.
This month’s update includes patches for:
- .NET
- ASP.NET Core
- Active Directory Domain Services
- Azure Arc
- Azure Compute Gallery
- Azure Entra ID
- Azure IoT Explorer
- Azure Linux Virtual Machines
- Azure MCP Server
- Azure Portal Windows Admin Cen
Qualys
Microsoft and Adobe Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Security Update Review | Qualys
blogs_qualys·2026-03-10
Microsoft and Adobe Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Security Update Review | Qualys
#### Table of Contents
- Microsoft Patch Tuesday forMarch2026
- Adobe Patches for March 2026
- Zero-day Vulnerabilities Patched inMarchPatch Tuesday Edition
- Critical Severity Vulnerabilities Patched inMarchPatch Tuesday Edition
- Other Microsoft Vulnerability Highlights
- Microsoft Release Summary
- Discover and Prioritize Vulnerabilities inVulnerability Management, Detection & Response (VMDR)
- Rapid Response with TruRisk Eliminate
- Qualys Monthly Webinar Series
Microsoft has rolled out its March 2026 Patch Tuesday updates, delivering a fresh batch of security fixes designed to keep Windows environments protected from emerging threats. The release addresses multiple vulnerabilities spanning Windows components and other Microsoft products. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to
Tenable
March 2026 Microsoft Patch Tuesday | Tenable®
blogs_tenable·2026-03-10
March 2026 Microsoft Patch Tuesday | Tenable®
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Bleepingcomputer
Microsoft March 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes 2 zero-days, 79 flaws
blogs_bleepingcomputer·2026-03-10·CVSS 8.8
[HIGH] Microsoft March 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes 2 zero-days, 79 flaws
## Microsoft March 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes 2 zero-days, 79 flaws
## Lawrence Abrams
The number of bugs in each vulnerability category is listed below:
46 Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities
2 Security Feature Bypass Vulnerabilities
18 Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities
10 Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities
4 Denial of Service Vulnerabilities
4 Spoofing Vulnerabilities
When BleepingComputer reports on Patch Tuesday security updates, we only count those released by Microsoft today. Therefore, the number of flaws does not include 9 Microsoft Edge flaws, Mariner, Payment Orchestrator Service, Azure, and Microsoft Devices Pricing Program flaws fixed earlier this month.
To learn more about the non-security updates released today, you can review our dedicated articles on the
Rapid7
Patch Tuesday - March 2026
blogs_rapid7·2026-03-10·CVSS 8.8
[HIGH] Patch Tuesday - March 2026
Microsoft is publishing 77 vulnerabilities this March 2026 Patch Tuesday. Microsoft is aware of public disclosure of two of today’s vulnerabilities, but without evidence of exploitation in the wild for any (yet), so there are no Microsoft additions to CISA KEV today. Earlier in the month, Microsoft provided patches to address nine browser vulnerabilities, which are not included in the Patch Tuesday count above.
### SQL Server: zero-day remote EoP
SQL Server often goes several months in a row without any mention on Patch Tuesday. Today, however, all versions from the latest and greatest SQL Server 2025 back as far as SQL Server 2016 SP3 receive patches for CVE-2026-21262, a SQL Server elevation of privilege vulnerability. This isn’t just any elevation of privilege vulnerability, either; t
Qualys
Microsoft and Adobe Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Security Update Review
blogs_qualys·2026-03-10
Microsoft and Adobe Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Security Update Review
## Table of Contents
Microsoft Patch Tuesday forMarch2026
Adobe Patches for March 2026
Zero-day Vulnerabilities Patched inMarchPatch Tuesday Edition
Critical Severity Vulnerabilities Patched inMarchPatch Tuesday Edition
Other Microsoft Vulnerability Highlights
Microsoft Release Summary
Discover and Prioritize Vulnerabilities inVulnerability Management, Detection & Response (VMDR)
Rapid Response with TruRisk Eliminate
Qualys Monthly Webinar Series
Microsoft has rolled out its March 2026 Patch Tuesday updates, delivering a fresh batch of security fixes designed to keep Windows environments protected from emerging threats. The release addresses multiple vulnerabilities spanning Windows components and other Microsoft products. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know.
## Mi
Crowdstrike
March 2026 Patch Tuesday: Updates and Analysis
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Video Highli
Sophos
March Patch Tuesday visits 15 product families
blogs_sophos
March Patch Tuesday visits 15 product families
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Microsoft on Tuesday released 84 patches affecting 15 product families – including a few you’ve possibly never encountered. Eight of the addressed issues are considered by Microsoft to be of Critical severity, though none of those affect Windows, nor are they expected to be exploited within the next 30 days. In addition, five of those Critical issues were in fact addressed by Microsoft in advance of Patch Tuesday itself, as we’ll discuss below. Twenty-two have a CVSS base score of 8.0 or higher, including one with a 9.8 base score. None are known to be under active exploit in the wild, but two are publicly disclosed so far.
At patch time, six CVEs are judged more likely to be exploited in the next 30 days by the company’s estimation. Various of this month’s issues are amenable
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Tenable CIEM Request a demo
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## Vulnerability Exposure
Tenable Vulnerability Management Try for free
Tenable Security Center Request a demo
Tenable Web App Scanning Try for free
Tenable Patch Management Request a demo
Tenable Enclave Security Request a demo
Tenable Attack Surface Management Request a demo
Tenable Nessus Try for free
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Wiz
CVE-2026-21262 Impact, Exploitability, and Mitigation Steps | Wiz
blogs_wiz·CVSS 8.8
CVE-2026-21262 [HIGH] CVE-2026-21262 Impact, Exploitability, and Mitigation Steps | Wiz
## CVE-2026-21262 :
vulnerability analysis and mitigation
Improper access control in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Source : NVD
## 8.8
Score
Published March 10, 2026
Severity HIGH
CNA Score 8.8
Has Public Exploit No
Has CISA KEV Exploit No
CISA KEV Release Date N/A
CISA KEV Due Date N/A
Exploitation Probability Percentile (EPSS) 32.6
Exploitation Probability (EPSS) 0.1
Sources
NVD
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blogs_tenable·CVSS 7.8
[HIGH] Blog
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Iran's retaliatory campaign following Operation Epic Fury has collapsed the boundary between physical and digital warfare. Tenable's exposure data analysis across seven target countries reveals that the largest exploitable attack surface isn't the headline threat, it's a Microsoft Word N-day affecting nearly 14 million assets.
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Exploited in the wild