CVE-2023-31610 in virtuoso-opensource
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2023
An issue in the _IO_default_xsputn component of openlink virtuoso-opensource v7.2.9 allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via crafted SQL statements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-31610 resides within the _IO_default_xsputn component of the openlink virtuoso-opensource version 7.2.9 database system. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that manifests through specifically crafted SQL statements designed to trigger a denial of service condition. The affected component operates as part of the input/output handling mechanism within the database engine, where it processes data streams during query execution and result set management. When maliciously constructed SQL queries are processed through this vulnerable path, the system's input/output subsystem becomes susceptible to malformed data handling that can lead to complete service unavailability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the _IO_default_xsputn function which is responsible for handling character string operations during data transfer processes. This function fails to properly validate or sanitize input data streams that are passed through SQL query execution paths, creating a condition where malformed or excessively large data sequences can cause the function to enter an infinite loop or consume excessive system resources. The flaw operates at the level of stream processing where SQL results are formatted and transmitted back to client applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard database query interfaces without requiring elevated privileges or specialized access conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database operations and system availability. When exploited, the denial of service condition can cause the virtuoso database server to become unresponsive, leading to application downtime and potential data access interruptions for legitimate users. The vulnerability affects all systems running the specific version 7.2.9 of openlink virtuoso-opensource, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not yet upgraded their database infrastructure. The attack vector requires only the ability to submit SQL queries to the target system, which means that any user with database access permissions could potentially exploit this weakness to cause system-wide disruption.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should begin with immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the specific buffer handling issues within the _IO_default_xsputn component. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized users can submit SQL queries to the database system. Additionally, input validation mechanisms should be strengthened at the application level to filter out potentially malicious SQL constructs before they reach the database engine. Monitoring and logging of SQL query patterns can help identify exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the database infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 and CWE-787 categories related to input validation and buffer overflow conditions, and represents a potential entry point for attackers seeking to establish persistent access through service disruption attacks as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the denial of service tactic.