PatchTheCEVCVE-2019-1068: Microsoft SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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HIGH 8.8EXPLOITEDWATCHLISTDOWNGRADEUPGRADEUPGRADE
CVE-2019-1068 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting sql server, sql server 2016, sql server 2017, reported as exploited in the wild. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SQL Server when it incorrectly handles processing of internal functions, aka 'Microsoft SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.
Why this priority
- High severity
- EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
- Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV)
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 8.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 57.3% (top 1%) |
| CISA exploited list | Yes, fix due 2026-08-29 |
| Weakness | CWE-20 |
| Published | 2019-07-15 |
| Last modified | 2026-08-27 |
Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Exploited Added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list
- Updated Record last modified
- Deadline CISA due date for US federal agencies to patch
microsoft sql server DOWNGRADE
Affected: 2014 sp2 · 2014 sp3
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2014
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy sql-server || rpm -q sql-server || sql-server --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2014 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison sql-server
sudo apt install sql-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_2014>
sudo apt-mark hold sql-server
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list sql-server
sudo dnf downgrade sql-server-<VERSION_BEFORE_2014>
sudo dnf versionlock add sql-server
Downgrade risk
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
microsoft sql server 2016 UPGRADE
Affected: >= 13.0.4001.0 and < 13.0.4259.0 · >= 13.0.4411.0 and < 13.0.4604.0 · >= 13.0.5026.0 and < 13.0.5101.9 · >= 13.0.5149.0 and < 13.0.5366.0
Fixed in: 13.0.4259.0, 13.0.4604.0, 13.0.5101.9, 13.0.5366.0
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 13.0.4001.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy sql-server-2016 || rpm -q sql-server-2016 || sql-server-2016 --version
2. UPGRADE to 13.0.4259.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade sql-server-2016
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade sql-server-2016
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 13.0.4001.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison sql-server-2016
sudo apt install sql-server-2016=<VERSION_BEFORE_13.0.4001.0>
sudo apt-mark hold sql-server-2016
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list sql-server-2016
sudo dnf downgrade sql-server-2016-<VERSION_BEFORE_13.0.4001.0>
sudo dnf versionlock add sql-server-2016
Downgrade risk
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
microsoft sql server 2017 UPGRADE
Affected: >= 14.0.1000.169 and < 14.0.2027.2 · >= 14.0.3006.16 and < 14.0.3192.2
Fixed in: 14.0.2027.2, 14.0.3192.2
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 14.0.1000.169
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy sql-server-2017 || rpm -q sql-server-2017 || sql-server-2017 --version
2. UPGRADE to 14.0.2027.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade sql-server-2017
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade sql-server-2017
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 14.0.1000.169 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison sql-server-2017
sudo apt install sql-server-2017=<VERSION_BEFORE_14.0.1000.169>
sudo apt-mark hold sql-server-2017
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list sql-server-2017
sudo dnf downgrade sql-server-2017-<VERSION_BEFORE_14.0.1000.169>
sudo dnf versionlock add sql-server-2017
Downgrade risk
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
Exact fixes by distribution
A distro patch exists: prefer upgrading over downgrading.
Fedora 46 · retext · FIXED · 8.1.0-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-0602a84203 · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-0602a84203
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- GitHub PoC: Vulnerability-Playground/CVE-2019-1068 (1 stars)
Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · CISA KEV catalog · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.