CVE-2019-0897 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-2019-0890, CVE-2019-0891, CVE-2019-0893, CVE-2019-0894, CVE-2019-0895, CVE-2019-0896, CVE-2019-0898, CVE-2019-0899, CVE-2019-0900, CVE-2019-0901, CVE-2019-0902.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0897 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows Jet Database Engine, which serves as the foundation for numerous Microsoft applications including Access, Outlook, and various enterprise systems. This vulnerability stems from improper memory handling during the processing of database objects, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Jet Database Engine, widely deployed across Windows environments, processes various database formats including .mdb and .accdb files, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the prevalence of database usage in enterprise and individual computing environments.
The technical flaw manifests when the Jet Database Engine fails to properly validate or handle memory objects during database processing operations, specifically when encountering malformed or specially crafted database files. This improper memory handling creates memory corruption conditions that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations, ultimately allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate database operations, meaning that simply opening or processing a malicious database file can lead to system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond the initial database access. This behavior aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and reflects the broader category of memory safety vulnerabilities that have historically led to significant exploitation vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple system compromise, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments. Organizations running systems with vulnerable Jet Database Engine implementations face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential complete network compromise, particularly when database files are processed through untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft products including Office applications, SQL Server, and various enterprise applications that utilize Jet Database Engine components, making it a prime target for sophisticated attack campaigns. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various delivery methods including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites, with the potential to execute code remotely without requiring authentication or specific user actions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0897 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as well as implementing network-based controls to restrict access to potentially malicious database files. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted database files, while also deploying network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious database processing activities. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of remote services, and organizations should consider implementing defensive measures such as disabling unnecessary database processing capabilities, implementing strict file validation procedures, and maintaining comprehensive incident response plans. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Jet Database Engine versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on system criticality and exposure levels.