CVE-2021-45346 in SQLite
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2022
A Memory Leak vulnerabilty exists in SQLite Project SQLite3 3.35.1 and 3.37.0 via maliciously crafted SQL Queries (made via editing the Database File), it is possible to query a record, and leak subsequent bytes of memory that extend beyond the record, which could let a malicous user obtain sensitive information..
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45346 represents a critical memory leak flaw within the SQLite database engine affecting versions 3.35.1 and 3.37.0. This issue stems from improper memory management during query processing when handling specially crafted SQL inputs that manipulate database file structures. The flaw operates through a buffer overread condition where the database engine fails to properly bounds-check memory allocations when processing certain query patterns, leading to information disclosure through memory contents that extend beyond intended data boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when maliciously constructed SQL queries are executed against SQLite databases, particularly those involving complex record structures or specific data types that trigger the memory handling error. When the database engine processes these inputs, it reads beyond the allocated memory boundaries of database records, inadvertently exposing adjacent memory contents to the querying process. This memory overread behavior allows attackers to extract potentially sensitive information including database connection details, system memory values, or other confidential data that may reside in the adjacent memory regions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to systems relying on SQLite for data storage, particularly in environments where database files may be modified or accessed by untrusted users. The information disclosure could potentially reveal database structure information, encryption keys, user credentials, or other sensitive operational data that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in applications where SQLite databases contain confidential information and where users might have the ability to modify database content through editing operations.
The flaw aligns with CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which classifies this as a memory safety issue where applications read data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1005: Data from Local System and T1566: Phishing, as it enables attackers to extract sensitive data from compromised systems and could be part of broader reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability also relates to T1567: Exfiltration Over Web Service when attackers use the leaked information for further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected SQLite versions to the latest stable releases where this memory leak has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. Organizations should also implement database access controls to limit user privileges and prevent unauthorized modification of database files. Additional defensive measures include monitoring database query patterns for suspicious activities, implementing database file integrity checks, and conducting regular security assessments of applications using SQLite to identify potential exploitation vectors. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for unusual data access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.