Can Organizations Afford to Delay Patching Microsoft’s Critical SPNEGO and SQL Server Flaws?

A heap-based buffer overflow in the SPNEGO Extended Negotiation (NEGOEX) protocol, tracked as CVE-2025-47981, stands out as the most critical flaw this month. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute code remotely simply by sending a crafted message to a vulnerable server.

Microsoft warns that exploitation is “more likely,” and no authentication is required, only network access. The flaw primarily affects Windows 10 version 1607 and above, where a specific Group Policy setting is enabled by default. Security researchers caution that this vulnerability could be “wormable,” potentially enabling self-propagating malware reminiscent of past global ransomware outbreaks.

Given the high risk and ease of exploitation, organizations cannot afford to delay patching, especially in environments with default configurations or exposed endpoints.

Public Disclosure of SQL Server Flaw Heightens Data Exposure Risks

The SQL Server vulnerability, CVE-2025-49719, is an information disclosure flaw with a CVSS score of 7.5. It enables unauthenticated attackers to extract uninitialized memory from SQL Server, potentially leaking sensitive data such as credentials or connection strings.

This flaw was publicly disclosed before a patch was available, increasing the risk of exploitation. Although Microsoft rates exploitation as “less likely,” the public nature of the disclosure and the existence of proof-of-concept code mean attackers could develop working exploits quickly. The vulnerability affects SQL Server releases from 2016 through 2022, as well as applications using OLE DB drivers.

Security experts emphasize that even if the immediate risk appears low, the potential for advanced attack scenarios is significant, particularly in organizations with large or sensitive databases.

Did you know?
The SPNEGO protocol, at the heart of this month’s most critical vulnerability, has only seen three major flaws since 2022. However, two of those were uncovered in 2025 alone, highlighting a surge in attacks targeting authentication protocols that underpin enterprise security.

Are Current Patch Management Practices Sufficient for Today’s Threats

The scale and severity of this month’s vulnerabilities demand a reevaluation of patch management strategies. With 130 vulnerabilities addressed, including 14 rated critical, organizations face a growing challenge in prioritizing and deploying updates across complex infrastructures.

Delays in patching, whether due to compatibility concerns or resource constraints, can leave critical systems exposed to rapidly evolving threats. The public disclosure of SQL Server flaws and the high exploitability of SPNEGO highlight the need for proactive, automated patching processes that minimize windows of vulnerability.

Security teams must also coordinate with application owners and IT operations to ensure compatibility and continuity while maintaining a rapid response to critical advisories.

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Exploitation Risks Escalate with Publicly Known Vulnerabilities

When vulnerabilities are publicly disclosed before patches are available, the risk landscape changes dramatically. Attackers can leverage technical details and proof-of-concept code to craft targeted exploits, increasing the likelihood of widespread attacks.

For the SQL Server flaw, researchers note that even if exploitation is currently considered “less likely,” the public nature of the disclosure means that motivated adversaries may already be working on attack tools. In the case of SPNEGO, the ease of exploitation and lack of authentication requirements make it a prime target for automated attacks and malware campaigns.

Organizations must recognize that the window for safe delay is shrinking, and immediate action is required to mitigate exposure.

Proactive Patching Is Now a Business Imperative

The July 2025 Patch Tuesday underscores a critical shift in the cybersecurity landscape. As vulnerabilities become more severe and public disclosures more common, organizations must treat rapid patching as a core business function, not just a technical task.

Failure to act swiftly can result in data breaches, ransomware incidents, and regulatory penalties. Security leaders should prioritize critical updates, leverage automated patch management tools, and foster a culture of vigilance across IT and security teams. The cost of delay is no longer theoretical; it is an imminent, measurable risk.