CVE-2026-20803: Microsoft SQL Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Published Jan 13, 2026
·
Updated

Microsoft SQL Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Other sources

Missing authentication for critical function in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.

Microsoft

Affected Software

6 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft SQL Server 2022>=16.0.1000.6<16.0.1165.1
Microsoft SQL Server 2022>=16.0.4003.1<16.0.4230.2
Microsoft SQL Server 2025=17.0.1000.7
Microsoft SQL Server 2025<17.0.1050.2
17.0.1050.2
Microsoft SQL Server 2022<16.0.1165.1
16.0.1165.1
Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (CU 22)<16.0.4230.2
16.0.4230.2

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 17.0.1050.2Patch KB5073177
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 16.0.1165.1Patch KB5073031
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 16.0.4230.2Patch KB5072936

Event History

Jan 13, 2026
CVE Published
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
Description
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:56 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:56 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-20803?

CVE-2026-20803 is considered a critical elevation of privilege vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-20803?

To fix CVE-2026-20803, apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for affected SQL Server versions.

3

Which versions of SQL Server are affected by CVE-2026-20803?

CVE-2026-20803 affects Microsoft SQL Server 2022, SQL Server 2022 (CU 22), and SQL Server 2025.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2026-20803 facilitate?

CVE-2026-20803 allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges over a network.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2026-20803?

Currently, the best mitigation for CVE-2026-20803 is to apply the necessary updates since no specific workaround is available.

Contact

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