CVE-2019-0846 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 CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0847, CVE-2019-0851, CVE-2019-0877, CVE-2019-0879.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0846 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows Jet Database Engine component that forms part of Microsoft's database infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically targets how the engine processes objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Jet Database Engine serves as a core component in various Microsoft applications including Outlook, Access, and numerous enterprise systems that rely on database functionality. The flaw manifests when the engine fails to properly validate or handle memory objects during database operations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures and gain unauthorized execution privileges. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects systems running Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and other supported operating systems that utilize the Jet Database Engine for data storage and retrieval operations.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2019-0846 occurs through carefully crafted database files or memory structures that trigger improper handling within the Jet Database Engine. When a vulnerable system processes these malicious inputs, the engine's memory management routines fail to properly validate object boundaries or memory references, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of 'Stack-based Buffer Overflow' and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can potentially execute malicious code remotely. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based memory corruption issue that can be triggered through database file manipulation or memory object handling within the application context. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or network-based database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0846 extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect entire enterprise networks where database functionality is prevalent. Organizations using Microsoft Outlook, Access applications, or any systems that depend on the Jet Database Engine for data processing are at risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability can enable attackers to escalate privileges, install persistent backdoors, or establish command and control channels that persist across system reboots. Security professionals must consider that this vulnerability can be exploited in zero-day scenarios where attackers may not require user interaction to achieve successful exploitation, particularly when the vulnerable applications are running with elevated privileges. The remote execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems without physical access or direct user interaction, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for automated attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0846 should focus on immediate patch management and application hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory handling flaws within the Jet Database Engine, requiring administrators to deploy these patches promptly across all affected systems. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit database access and reduce the attack surface where vulnerable applications reside. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary database functionality, implementing strict file validation for database inputs, and monitoring for unusual database processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized database processing utilities. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit for Defense Evasion highlights the importance of monitoring for suspicious process creation and memory manipulation activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on database components can help identify systems that remain vulnerable despite patching efforts, ensuring comprehensive protection against this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.