CVE-2022-35299 in SQL Anywhere
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2022
SAP SQL Anywhere - version 17.0, and SAP IQ - version 16.1, allows an attacker to leverage logical errors in memory management to cause a memory corruption, such as Stack-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2026
SAP SQL Anywhere version 17.0 and SAP IQ version 16.1 contain a critical memory management vulnerability that manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow due to logical errors in the software's memory handling mechanisms. This vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in how these database systems manage memory allocation and deallocation, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit the system's memory structures. The issue stems from improper bounds checking and inadequate memory validation during data processing operations, particularly when handling user-supplied input or complex query operations that involve substantial memory manipulation. Such memory corruption vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential pathways for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious input that triggers the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects database operations that involve complex memory allocations, particularly when processing large datasets or executing intricate SQL queries that stress the memory management subsystem. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may utilize PowerShell scripts to automate exploitation of memory corruption flaws, though the primary vector involves direct memory manipulation through database operations. The flaw particularly impacts systems where these SAP products are deployed as backend databases for enterprise applications, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to compromise sensitive organizational data.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as SAP has released security updates addressing this specific memory management flaw. Organizations must implement robust input validation mechanisms and establish memory safety protocols to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit potential attack vectors, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous database behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety in database systems and underscores the necessity of rigorous code review processes, particularly for memory management functions that handle user input. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential memory corruption issues within their SAP environments and implement automated testing procedures to validate memory handling routines. Additionally, implementing defensive programming practices and adhering to secure coding standards can help prevent similar logical errors in future development cycles, reducing the attack surface for memory-based exploits.