Pentera Labs research shows how attackers can exploit Microsoft SQL Server’s Tabular Data Stream (TDS) protocol to identify database versions without authentication. By sending a crafted pre-login packet and parsing the version token after the terminator byte, attackers can extract version details such as major, minor, and build numbers. This reconnaissance step enables targeting with known exploits and vulnerabilities. Since the method only requires an open MSSQL port (default 1433), exposed databases are at high risk. Mitigation involves restricting port access with firewalls, iptables, and host-based controls to limit exposure and block unauthorized scans.

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