CVE-2017-10989 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
The getNodeSize function in ext/rtree/rtree.c in SQLite through 3.19.3, as used in GDAL and other products, mishandles undersized RTree blobs in a crafted database, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read or possibly unspecified other impact.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10989 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read condition within the SQLite database engine's RTree implementation. This flaw exists in the getNodeSize function located in ext/rtree/rtree.c file within SQLite versions up to and including 3.19.3. The vulnerability manifests when the RTree blob structure is improperly sized or malformed within a crafted database file, creating a scenario where the application attempts to read beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries. The issue is particularly concerning as it affects not only SQLite directly but also numerous applications that rely on SQLite for spatial data indexing through the RTree extension, including the Geospatial Data Abstraction Library GDAL and various other software systems that utilize spatial indexing capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of RTree data structures within database files, specifically targeting the getNodeSize function's handling of undersized blob structures. When SQLite processes a malformed RTree blob that does not conform to expected size parameters, the function fails to properly validate the blob dimensions before attempting to read from the heap memory region. This improper validation leads to a buffer over-read condition where the application accesses memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing application instability. The vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and can be classified as a memory safety issue within the context of the ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation through memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10989 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution in scenarios where the over-read accesses memory locations that can be controlled or manipulated by an attacker. The vulnerability affects database systems that implement spatial indexing through RTree structures, making it particularly relevant for geographic information systems, mapping applications, and any software that processes spatial data with SQLite backend. Applications using GDAL and similar geospatial libraries are at significant risk, as these systems often process untrusted spatial data from various sources, creating potential attack vectors where maliciously crafted database files could trigger the buffer over-read condition. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened when applications do not properly validate input data or implement robust error handling for malformed database structures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected SQLite versions to 3.20.0 or later, where the buffer over-read issue has been resolved through improved input validation and proper bounds checking within the getNodeSize function. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation procedures for database files, particularly those containing spatial data, to prevent malformed RTree structures from being processed. Security measures should include restricting database file sources, implementing file integrity checks, and establishing monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of applications that process untrusted database content, while maintaining regular security updates and vulnerability assessments to identify similar memory safety issues within other database components and third-party libraries that may be susceptible to similar buffer over-read conditions.