CVE-2019-0580 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Jet Database Engine improperly handles objects in memory, aka "Jet Database Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0538, CVE-2019-0575, CVE-2019-0576, CVE-2019-0577, CVE-2019-0578, CVE-2019-0579, CVE-2019-0581, CVE-2019-0582, CVE-2019-0583, CVE-2019-0584.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0580 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows Jet Database Engine component that forms part of Microsoft's legacy database architecture. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the engine fails to properly handle objects in memory, creating exploitable conditions that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Jet Database Engine has long been integral to Windows operating systems, serving as the foundation for various applications including Microsoft Access, Outlook, and numerous third-party software solutions that rely on database functionality. The flaw exists at a fundamental level within the memory management mechanisms of this database engine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various attack vectors without requiring local system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-125, indicating out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious database files or content that, when processed by the vulnerable Jet Database Engine, causes memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows operating systems including legacy versions like Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as newer releases such as Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019, demonstrating the widespread impact across Microsoft's product ecosystem. This cross-version vulnerability presents significant operational challenges for organizations maintaining diverse IT environments, as patches must be deployed across multiple platforms simultaneously to achieve comprehensive protection.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for enterprise environments where database processing is common and where attackers may leverage social engineering tactics to deliver malicious database content through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which describes exploitation for execution, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the remote execution capability to establish persistent access and escalate privileges. Organizations running applications that utilize the Jet Database Engine are particularly vulnerable, including those using Microsoft Access databases, legacy applications, and systems that process external database content. The attack surface extends beyond direct exploitation to include scenarios where users open seemingly benign files that contain embedded malicious database objects, making user education and application whitelisting critical defensive measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0580 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, which address the memory handling issues within the Jet Database Engine. System administrators should prioritize patching across all affected Windows versions while implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack paths. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary database processing capabilities, implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of database files from untrusted sources, and monitoring for suspicious database file access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for processing external database content and maintaining regular backups to facilitate recovery from potential exploitation incidents. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how legacy components within operating systems can pose significant risks when not properly maintained.