Quick answer
Direct answer
Risk scores
| CVSS metric | What it means |
|---|---|
| Attack vector (AV:N) | Network: reachable remotely |
| Attack complexity (AC:L) | Low complexity |
| Privileges required (PR:L) | Low privileges required |
| User interaction (UI:N) | No user interaction |
| Scope (S:U) | Scope unchanged |
| Confidentiality (C:H) | High confidentiality impact |
| Integrity (I:H) | High integrity impact |
| Availability (A:H) | High availability impact |
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
About Microsoft Sql Server 2016
CVE-2026-55002 affects Microsoft Sql Server 2016, a product from Microsoft. Before acting, confirm where Microsoft Sql Server 2016 runs in your estate, who owns it and whether it is reachable from the internet, because exposure decides real risk more than the score alone.
What the flaw is
In plain terms: External control of file name or path in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction. Apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Affected versions and timeline
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Microsoft Sql Server 2016 |
| Affected versions | Sql Server 2016 from 13.0.6300.2 before 13.0.6500.1; Sql Server 2016 from 13.0.7000.253 before 13.0.7095.1; Sql Server 2017 from 14.0.1000.169 before 14.0.2120.1; Sql Server 2017 from 14.0.3006.16 before 14.0.3540.1; Sql Server 2019 from 15.0.2000.5 before 15.0.2180.2; Sql Server 2019 from 15.0.4003.23 before 15.0.4480.2; Sql Server 2022 from 16.0.1000.6 before 16.0.1190.2; Sql Server 2022 from 16.0.4003.1 before 16.0.4262.2; Sql Server 2025 from 17.0.1000.7 before 17.0.1125.2; Sql Server 2025 from 17.0.4006.2 before 17.0.4060.2 |
| Published | Jul 14, 2026 |
| Last modified | Aug 4, 2026 |
| Added to CISA KEV | Not listed |
| Assigning CNA | secure@microsoft.com |
How to detect it
- Inventory every instance of Microsoft Sql Server 2016 and record the running version against the affected range above.
- Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
- Review logs on affected systems for unusual requests, errors or new processes around the vulnerable function.
- Confirm with an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner has a check for this CVE.
How to fix it
- Apply the fixed version of Microsoft Sql Server 2016 named in the vendor advisory.
- If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and put it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.
- Rescan after the change to prove the exposure is gone, then close the ticket.
CTEM action plan
| CTEM stage | What to do for this CVE |
|---|---|
| Scope | Add every business service that depends on Microsoft Sql Server 2016 to the current CTEM cycle. |
| Discover | Find all instances, including shadow and cloud deployments, and record versions and exposure. |
| Prioritize | Rank using EPSS and CVSS together with asset exposure and business impact. |
| Validate | Confirm the flaw is reachable and exploitable in your environment and that compensating controls work. |
| Mobilize | Assign the fix to the asset owner with a due date matched to the priority, then verify closure. |
CWE References
Technical References
Frequently asked questions
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