CVE-2017-15286 in SQLite
Summary
by MITRE
SQLite 3.20.1 has a NULL pointer dereference in tableColumnList in shell.c because it fails to consider certain cases where `sqlite3_step(pStmt)==SQLITE_ROW` is false and a data structure is never initialized.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15286 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within SQLite version 3.20.1 that specifically affects the tableColumnList function in the shell.c component. This issue arises from inadequate handling of edge cases during SQL statement execution where the sqlite3_step function returns a value other than SQLITE_ROW, creating a scenario where essential data structures remain uninitialized while the application attempts to dereference null pointers. The flaw demonstrates a classic software engineering oversight where error conditions are not properly accounted for in the code flow, leading to potential application crashes or system instability.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper conditional logic within the shell.c module where the code assumes that if sqlite3_step(pStmt) does not return SQLITE_ROW, certain data structures will have been properly initialized through previous operations. However, when the statement execution yields a different result such as SQLITE_DONE or SQLITE_ERROR, these assumptions break down and the subsequent code attempts to access memory locations that were never allocated or populated. This pattern directly correlates to CWE-476 which defines NULL pointer dereference as a condition where a null pointer is dereferenced, and the vulnerability manifests as a failure to validate preconditions before accessing memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable denial of service attacks against systems that rely on SQLite for data management. When exploited, the NULL pointer dereference can cause the SQLite shell application to terminate unexpectedly, disrupting database operations and potentially allowing attackers to gain insights into the system's internal state through crash analysis. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where SQLite is used as a backend for web applications, embedded systems, or mobile platforms where stability and reliability are paramount. Attackers could potentially craft malicious SQL statements or database operations that trigger this condition, leading to service disruption or system instability that may affect availability and data integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15286 should prioritize immediate patching of affected SQLite installations to version 3.21.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper initialization checks and conditional logic improvements. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable SQLite versions and implement automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at the application level where SQLite is integrated, ensuring that all SQL statements are properly sanitized and that error conditions are explicitly handled. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers endpoint denial of service, making it essential for organizations to implement robust monitoring and incident response procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that utilize vulnerable SQLite installations.