CVE-2019-0890 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-2019-0889, CVE-2019-0891, CVE-2019-0893, CVE-2019-0894, CVE-2019-0895, CVE-2019-0896, CVE-2019-0897, CVE-2019-0898, CVE-2019-0899, CVE-2019-0900, CVE-2019-0901, CVE-2019-0902.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0890 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows Jet Database Engine, which forms the foundation of numerous applications and services across the enterprise landscape. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the Jet Database Engine fails to properly handle objects in memory, creating a dangerous condition that adversaries can exploit to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems. The issue affects multiple versions of Windows operating systems including Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on database-dependent applications. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the database engine's memory management system, where improper object handling creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the Jet Database Engine's object management mechanisms, which aligns with CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" categories. Attackers can craft malicious database files or manipulate existing database objects to trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions that ultimately allow for code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that adversaries do not need physical access to systems, as exploitation can occur through network-based attacks targeting vulnerable applications that utilize the Jet Database Engine. This includes applications such as Microsoft Access, Outlook, and various third-party applications that leverage the Jet Database Engine for data storage and retrieval operations. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted database files or data to vulnerable applications, which then process these objects in memory, triggering the exploitable condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0890 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for threat actors. Organizations running vulnerable systems face significant risks including data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the T1059.007: "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript' technique category when combined with other exploitation methods, or potentially within T1068: 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' when leveraging the initial access for deeper system control. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that organizations with exposed services or applications using the Jet Database Engine are immediately at risk, particularly those that process untrusted database content from external sources. This includes email systems, web applications, and database services that may inadvertently process malicious database files or content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0890 require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through the August 2019 security updates. Organizations should prioritize patch management and ensure that all systems running vulnerable versions of Windows are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted database files, configuring network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable applications, and monitoring for suspicious database file processing activities. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with exploitation attempts, particularly those targeting database engine memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users have the ability to process external database content, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security awareness training and strict access controls for database-related applications. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate other potential database engine vulnerabilities that may exist within their environment.