CVE-2023-31611 in virtuoso-opensource
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2023
An issue in the __libc_longjmp 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-2023-31611 resides within the openlink virtuoso-opensource version 7.2.9, specifically within the __libc_longjmp component of the system. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt service availability through carefully constructed SQL injection payloads. The affected component leverages the standard C library's longjmp functionality, which is typically used for non-local jumps in program execution, but becomes problematic when improperly handled during SQL statement processing. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the database engine's SQL parsing and execution modules.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers submit maliciously crafted SQL statements that trigger unexpected behavior in the __libc_longjmp function. This component is responsible for managing control flow transfers within the application, particularly during error conditions or exception handling scenarios. When malformed SQL input reaches the vulnerable code path, it causes the longjmp mechanism to execute in an unintended manner, leading to program termination or system instability. The flaw does not appear to enable arbitrary code execution or data exfiltration directly, but rather focuses on compromising system availability through controlled crashes or resource exhaustion. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and can be classified as CWE-704 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which deals with incorrect error handling leading to system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-31611 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect database availability and potentially compromise the integrity of ongoing transactions. Organizations utilizing openlink virtuoso-opensource v7.2.9 may experience frequent service interruptions, particularly in environments where SQL queries are processed continuously or under high load conditions. The vulnerability can be particularly damaging in production environments where database availability is critical for business operations, as it allows attackers with minimal privileges to cause significant disruption. Additionally, the nature of the flaw suggests that it may be difficult to detect through routine security scanning, as it manifests during specific execution paths that may not be commonly exercised in normal database operations. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network disruption through resource exhaustion or service interruption attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-31611 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected openlink virtuoso-opensource version to the latest available release that contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures for all SQL queries entering the system, particularly focusing on identifying and rejecting potentially malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable code paths. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block suspicious SQL patterns that may trigger this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and logging mechanisms can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts and provide valuable forensic data for incident response activities. System administrators should also consider implementing rate limiting and query timeout mechanisms to prevent sustained exploitation attempts that could exhaust system resources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices that properly handle error conditions and control flow transfers within application code.