CVE-2022-27445 in MariaDB
Summary
by MITRE • 04/14/2022
MariaDB Server v10.9 and below was discovered to contain a segmentation fault via the component sql/sql_window.cc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-27445 represents a critical segmentation fault within MariaDB Server versions 10.9 and earlier, specifically within the sql/sql_window.cc component. This flaw manifests as a denial of service condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to crash the database server. The issue stems from improper handling of window functions in SQL queries, where malformed or specially crafted window function parameters trigger memory access violations that result in process termination. The segmentation fault occurs during query execution when the server attempts to process window functions without adequate bounds checking or input validation. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and stability of database services that rely on MariaDB Server for their operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the window function processing logic within the sql_window.cc file, which is part of MariaDB's query execution engine. When a malicious SQL query containing malformed window function syntax is submitted to the server, the processing routine fails to properly validate the window specification parameters before attempting to allocate memory or perform calculations. This leads to a memory access violation that causes the database process to terminate abruptly. The flaw is classified as a buffer over-read or improper memory management issue that can be triggered through standard SQL query execution paths. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, as the system attempts to access memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries during window function processing. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have database access privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users can execute queries.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-27445 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential data integrity concerns and business continuity risks. When exploited, the segmentation fault causes immediate database server crashes, leading to service outages that can affect applications depending on the database for their operations. Organizations utilizing MariaDB Server versions 10.9 or earlier face significant risk of unplanned downtime, especially in production environments where database availability is critical. The vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to perform denial of service attacks against database servers, potentially causing cascading failures in applications that depend on database connectivity. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, as it enables adversaries to disrupt database services through crafted query execution. The impact is particularly severe in cloud environments or multi-tenant deployments where a single compromised database instance could affect multiple applications or users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-27445 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to MariaDB Server 10.10 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and memory management in the window function processing code. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all database instances are updated promptly. Additionally, network-level protections such as firewall rules and database access controls can be employed to limit exposure by restricting database access to trusted sources and monitoring for unusual query patterns. Database administrators should also implement query logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Input validation measures including the use of prepared statements and proper parameterization of user inputs can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can detect and alert on anomalous window function usage patterns. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all instances running affected MariaDB versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on the criticality of the affected systems. Regular security testing and code reviews focusing on memory management and input validation practices should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.