How severe is CVE-2023-21705?

CVE-2023-21705 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-21705 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (63rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-21705?

CVE-2023-21705 primarily affects Microsoft Sql Server. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21705?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-21705 published?

CVE-2023-21705 was published on 2023-02-14 and last updated on 2026-08-19.

CVE-2023-21705

CVE-2023-21705 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Sql Server with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-321.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (63rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-321
Affected product: Microsoft Sql Server
Published: 2023-02-14
Last modified: 2026-08-19

Description

Microsoft SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21705?: Microsoft SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2023-21705?: CVE-2023-21705 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-21705 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (63rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-21705?: CVE-2023-21705 primarily affects Microsoft Sql Server. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-21705?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-21705 published?: CVE-2023-21705 was published on 2023-02-14 and last updated on 2026-08-19.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-21705

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server:2012:sp4:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server:2014:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server:2016:sp3:*:*:*:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server:2017:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server:2019:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server:2022:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*

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