CVE-2022-32083 in MariaDB
Summary
by MITRE • 07/02/2022
MariaDB v10.2 to v10.6.1 was discovered to contain a segmentation fault via the component Item_subselect::init_expr_cache_tracker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32083 represents a critical segmentation fault within MariaDB database systems affecting versions 10.2 through 10.6.1. This flaw resides in the Item_subselect::init_expr_cache_tracker component which is responsible for managing expression cache tracking during query execution processes. The segmentation fault occurs when the database engine attempts to initialize expression cache tracking for subquery operations, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted SQL queries can trigger unauthorized memory access patterns that ultimately result in database service termination.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the query optimization phase of MariaDB's execution engine. When processing certain subquery expressions, the Item_subselect::init_expr_cache_tracker function fails to properly validate input parameters or handle edge cases during cache initialization. This weakness allows attackers to construct specific SQL statements that cause the database server to attempt accessing invalid memory locations or manipulating internal data structures in ways that were not anticipated during normal operation. The flaw manifests as a segmentation fault because the system encounters memory access violations that cause the process to crash and terminate unexpectedly.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to database availability and system stability. Attackers exploiting this flaw can cause denial of service conditions by forcing database connections to crash repeatedly, potentially leading to complete database unavailability for legitimate users. The vulnerability affects all MariaDB versions within the specified range, making it particularly concerning for organizations that may not have immediately updated their database systems. The segmentation fault can occur during routine query processing, making it difficult to predict when attacks might succeed and potentially allowing for automated exploitation by threat actors seeking to disrupt database services.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected MariaDB installations to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to MariaDB version 10.6.2 or later where the issue has been resolved through proper input validation and memory management improvements. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as database firewalls and query filtering mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface by limiting the types of queries that can be executed against database systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database crash patterns and segmentation fault occurrences that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for endpoint denial of service attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect and respond to anomalous query patterns that might indicate attempts to exploit this memory management flaw.