CVE-2026-51296 in SQLite
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2026
SQLite 3.41 has a use-after-free vulnerability in jsonRemoveFunc of SQLite JSON module. The parsed JSON object is freed at line 3555, while line 3575 still calls jsonLookupStep with the released pointer. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to crash the service and leak heap memory information.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2026
The vulnerability under discussion represents a critical use-after-free condition within SQLite version 3.41's JSON module, specifically within the jsonRemoveFunc function. This flaw manifests as a classic memory safety issue where a parsed JSON object undergoes deallocation at line 3555 of the source code, yet subsequent operations continue to reference the freed memory location at line 3575 through the jsonLookupStep function call. The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-416, which categorizes use-after-free conditions as a fundamental memory safety defect that can lead to unpredictable behavior and exploitation opportunities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, creating potential pathways for remote code execution and information disclosure attacks. When remote attackers exploit this condition, they can trigger controlled crashes that may lead to heap memory leaks, providing adversaries with sensitive information about the application's memory layout and internal state. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation through memory corruption vulnerabilities, while also potentially enabling broader attack vectors through information gathering phases.
The fundamental flaw occurs in the JSON processing module where object lifecycle management fails to properly track reference counts or pointer validity after deallocation. This particular implementation issue demonstrates poor resource management practices that violate standard security principles for memory handling in database engines. The vulnerability affects any application that utilizes SQLite's JSON functions, particularly those exposed through web applications or services that process untrusted JSON data inputs.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected SQLite installations to version 3.41.1 or later, where this specific use-after-free condition has been addressed through proper memory management implementations. Organizations should also implement defensive programming practices such as pointer validation checks and comprehensive input sanitization for all JSON processing operations. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous service crashes or memory allocation patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.