Affects Microsoft SQL Server, a widely used enterprise database; networked privilege escalation can lead to full DB/server compromise and broad organizational impact.
CVE-2026-96956
Authenticated stack buffer overflow in Microsoft SQL Server enabling privilege escalation.
Is CVE-2026-96956 being exploited?
Not confirmed. CVE-2026-96956 does not appear in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, which records only exploitation that has been observed and reported publicly. That is evidence of absence of a report, not evidence the flaw is unattacked. EPSS currently estimates a 0.42% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How severe is CVE-2026-96956?
CVE-2026-96956 is rated High with a CVSS score of 8.0. Severity describes how bad exploitation would be, not how likely it is: pair it with exploitation evidence before deciding what to patch first.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-96956?
Yes. A fix has been recorded for CVE-2026-96956. The vendor advisory is the authority on the exact fixed version — apply it from there rather than from a summary.
What does CVE-2026-96956 affect?
CVE-2026-96956 affects Microsoft SQL Server (unspecified versions), Windows Server hosts running SQL Server. Confirm the exact affected versions against the vendor advisory before deciding you are exposed.
What should I do about CVE-2026-96956?
Apply Microsoft security update immediately; restrict SQL access and monitor logs.
Exploitation status reflects CISA's KEV catalog as we last synced it. Check the catalog directly.
Authenticated attacker can trigger a stack-based buffer overflow over the network to elevate privileges (potential SYSTEM/sa), enabling full DB/server takeover.
Immediate action required