CVE-2019-0879 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-2019-0846, CVE-2019-0847, CVE-2019-0851, CVE-2019-0877.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0879 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows Jet Database Engine component that forms part of Microsoft's data storage infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the engine fails to properly handle objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Jet Database Engine serves as the foundation for various Microsoft applications including Access databases, Outlook PST files, and numerous enterprise applications that rely on structured data storage. The flaw exists at the core memory management level where improperly validated objects can trigger unexpected behavior during database operations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents and execute malicious payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted database files or memory structures that cause the Jet Engine to process malformed objects in ways that were not anticipated during normal operation. When the engine attempts to parse these invalid objects, it can lead to memory corruption that adversaries can leverage to gain control over the affected system. 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: PowerShell', as attackers often utilize PowerShell to deliver and execute malicious payloads through database files. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data corruption as it can enable full system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments.
The operational implications of CVE-2019-0879 are severe given the widespread use of Jet Database Engine across Microsoft ecosystem applications and enterprise environments. Organizations running applications that utilize Access databases, Outlook mail files, or any system components relying on the Jet Engine are at risk of remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites serving malicious database files, or through file sharing mechanisms where users open untrusted database content. This creates a significant threat surface that can be exploited by both automated malware and sophisticated threat actors. The vulnerability's designation as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where database files may be shared across networks and accessed by multiple users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0879 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates that address the specific memory handling issues within the Jet Database Engine. Organizations should implement strict file validation and filtering mechanisms to prevent execution of potentially malicious database files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can process database files. Additionally, implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous database processing activities or memory corruption patterns can provide early warning of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and following Microsoft's security recommendations, as this type of memory corruption vulnerability often requires specific patches that address the underlying engine behavior rather than general security measures. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on database-related components and ensure that all systems utilizing the Jet Database Engine are properly updated and monitored for signs of exploitation attempts.