CVE-2019-0902 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-2019-0897, CVE-2019-0898, CVE-2019-0899, CVE-2019-0900, CVE-2019-0901.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0902 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 manifests when the engine fails to properly handle objects in memory, creating a condition that malicious actors can exploit 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 exists at the memory management level where improperly handled objects can lead to memory corruption that adversaries can leverage for privilege escalation and system compromise.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that are commonly classified as CWE-125, which represents "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions, and potentially CWE-787, "Out-of-bounds Write" scenarios. The vulnerability operates by manipulating how the Jet Database Engine processes database objects in memory, specifically when these objects are not properly validated or sanitized before execution. When an attacker crafts malicious database files or manipulates existing database content in specific ways, the engine's memory handling routines can be tricked into executing unintended code sequences. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate database operations, making detection and prevention challenging.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple system compromise, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access within network environments. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when successful exploitation occurs. Organizations running affected versions of Windows are at risk of complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and various other platforms that utilize the Jet Database Engine, making it a widespread concern for enterprise security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0902 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, particularly the cumulative security updates released in the May 2019 Microsoft Security Bulletin. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface, while monitoring for unusual database file access patterns and memory allocation behaviors should be implemented. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary database functionality and implementing strict access controls for database files. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction in many scenarios, making it particularly concerning for organizations that may not have comprehensive endpoint protection measures in place. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should target database engine components to identify potential exposure to similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.