How severe is CVE-2026-20803?

CVE-2026-20803 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-20803 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-20803?

CVE-2026-20803 primarily affects Microsoft Sql Server 2022. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20803?

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.

Does CVE-2026-20803 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-20803 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-2196.

When was CVE-2026-20803 published?

CVE-2026-20803 was published on 2026-01-13 and last updated on 2026-07-30.

CVE-2026-20803

CVE-2026-20803 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Sql Server 2022 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2. 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-306.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (68th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-2196
Weakness: CWE-306
Affected product: Microsoft Sql Server 2022
Published: 2026-01-13
Last modified: 2026-07-30

Description

Missing authentication for critical function in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-20803?: Missing authentication for critical function in SQL Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
How severe is CVE-2026-20803?: CVE-2026-20803 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-20803 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-20803?: CVE-2026-20803 primarily affects Microsoft Sql Server 2022. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20803?: 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.
Does CVE-2026-20803 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-20803 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-2196.
When was CVE-2026-20803 published?: CVE-2026-20803 was published on 2026-01-13 and last updated on 2026-07-30.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-20803

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server_2022:*:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sql_server_2025:17.0.1000.7:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*

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