CVE-2016-7254: Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP2 and 2012 SP3 does not properly perform a cast of an unspecified pointer, whic...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2016-7254 is a privilege escalation flaw in Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP2 and SP3. A remote user who can already authenticate to the database may be able to gain higher privileges through unspecified vectors. Treat affected database servers as business-critical because successful abuse could expand access to sensitive data or administrative functions. Exposure is most likely where Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP2 or SP3 remains deployed and reachable by authenticated database users. Internet exposure is not required by the CVE text, but broad user access, weak account governance, or shared application credentials would increase practical risk. Prioritize remediation for production databases, systems with sensitive data, and environments with many authenticated users. The authentication requirement lowers broad internet risk, but privilege escalation inside a database platform can materially affect confidentiality, integrity, and operational control. Mitigation focus: Identify Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP2 and SP3 instances.; Review and apply Microsoft MS16-136 security guidance for affected systems.; Restrict SQL Server access to trusted users and networks..

Prepared

Jun 13, 2026, 13:16 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.