https://us-kb.sage.com/portal/app/portlets/results/viewsolution.jsp?solutionid=224924750070955

FYI, I received this error when I was using the wrong "sa" password (for the source system) in the Parallel Migration Wizard.  Using the correct password allowed the migration program to query the SQL version properly, and the upgrade proceeded without further issue.  Misleading error.  (2018 to 2023, both Premium).

Posting to help others.  (Perhaps Sage could add a note to the KB too).