CVE-2023-48951 in virtuoso-opensource
Summary
by MITRE • 11/29/2023
An issue in the box_equal function in openlink virtuoso-opensource v7.2.11 allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) after running a SELECT statement.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48951 resides within the openlink virtuoso-opensource version 7.2.11 database system where a flaw exists in the box_equal function implementation. This function is responsible for comparing box data types within the database management system, and the vulnerability manifests when processing specific SELECT statements that trigger the problematic code path. The issue represents a classic denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt database operations without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the database's ability to handle certain data comparisons, causing the system to become unresponsive or crash entirely during query execution.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation and error handling within the box_equal function. When a SELECT statement is executed that involves box data type comparisons, the function fails to properly validate the input parameters or handle edge cases in the comparison logic. This leads to a situation where the function either enters an infinite loop, consumes excessive memory resources, or encounters a segmentation fault that results in the database service becoming unavailable. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through standard database queries, making it accessible to any user with database access permissions. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and inadequate boundary checking that violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-707 and CWE-129.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can result in complete database unavailability, affecting all applications and services that depend on the virtuoso-opensource database. Organizations using this version of the database may experience extended downtime during attack windows, potentially leading to business disruption and data access issues. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is critical for business operations, as it can be exploited to cause significant operational damage with minimal effort. Attackers can repeatedly execute the malicious SELECT statements to maintain the denial of service condition until the database is manually restarted or the system is patched. This vulnerability also represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks that could leverage the DoS condition to facilitate other exploit techniques.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of the affected virtuoso-opensource version 7.2.11 to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to a patched version of the database software where the box_equal function has been properly implemented with appropriate input validation and error handling. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to limit database user permissions where possible, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers network denial of service attacks, and the remediation efforts should consider the broader security posture of the database infrastructure. Organizations should also conduct thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the security update does not introduce compatibility issues with existing database applications.