CVE-2024-0232 in SQLite
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2024
A heap use-after-free issue has been identified in SQLite in the jsonParseAddNodeArray() function in sqlite3.c. This flaw allows a local attacker to leverage a victim to pass specially crafted malicious input to the application, potentially causing a crash and leading to a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2024
The heap use-after-free vulnerability in SQLite represents a critical memory safety issue that can be exploited by local attackers to disrupt system operations. This vulnerability specifically resides within the jsonParseAddNodeArray() function in the sqlite3.c source file, where improper memory management creates conditions that allow attackers to manipulate heap memory structures. The flaw arises from the failure to properly validate or manage memory allocation and deallocation sequences when processing JSON data structures, creating opportunities for attackers to execute malicious code or cause system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of heap memory regions that have already been freed but are still being referenced by the application. When the jsonParseAddNodeArray() function processes specially crafted JSON input, it fails to properly track memory ownership and lifecycle management, allowing subsequent operations to access memory locations that have been deallocated. This memory corruption can occur during JSON array processing where the function allocates memory for node structures and later frees them without proper invalidation of references. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core database processing layer where JSON parsing is commonly utilized, making it accessible through normal database operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local attackers to achieve denial of service conditions that can severely disrupt database operations and application availability. The use-after-free condition can cause unpredictable application behavior including crashes, data corruption, or system instability that affects database performance. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can lead to complete service disruption where legitimate database operations fail to complete properly, potentially affecting business continuity and data availability. The impact extends beyond simple crashes as the memory corruption can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges depending on the system configuration and execution context.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. Security professionals should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a fundamental memory safety issue that can be exploited without requiring special privileges beyond local system access. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of patched SQLite versions, implementation of input validation controls for JSON data processing, and monitoring for unusual database behavior or crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as memory protection mechanisms and runtime monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in their database environments.