SQL Server Management Studio 22: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2026-65669 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in SQL Server Management Studio 22 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 22.8.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating SQL Server Management Studio 22 to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.86% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 59% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update SQL Server Management Studio 22 to 22.8.2 or a later version.
- Update SQL Server Management Studio to 22.8.2 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | SQL Server Management Studio 22 | 22.0 up to, but not including, 22.8.2 | 22.8.2 |
| Microsoft | SQL Server Management Studio | 22.0 up to, but not including, 22.8.2 | 22.8.2 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (microsoft.com).
Official description
Improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component ('injection') in SQL Server allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
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