CVE-2026-51302 in SQLite
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2026
SQLite 3.41 has a use-after-free vulnerability exists in the expression evaluation logic. The sqlite3ReleaseTempReg function improperly releases temporary register resources, and the subsequent exprComputeOperands function continues to access the already freed register memory. By supplying a malicious SQL statement, a remote attacker can exploit this flaw to cause denial of service, leak sensitive information, or potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition within SQLite version 3.41 that stems from improper resource management during expression evaluation operations. The flaw manifests in the sqlite3ReleaseTempReg function which fails to properly handle temporary register deallocation, creating a scenario where memory locations are freed but subsequently accessed by downstream operations. The specific technical mechanism involves the exprComputeOperands function continuing to reference memory that has already been released, establishing a classic use-after-free vulnerability pattern that can be exploited remotely through crafted SQL input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability spans multiple security domains including denial of service conditions where the application crashes due to accessing freed memory, information disclosure through memory leaks that expose sensitive data from the freed registers, and potential code execution capabilities when attackers can control the memory contents before they are freed. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free errors in memory management, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter while potentially enabling privilege escalation through remote code execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates at the database engine level, affecting any application that utilizes SQLite 3.41 for processing SQL queries.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of SQLite to version 3.42 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper memory management implementation. Organizations should also implement input validation measures to sanitize all SQL inputs and consider deploying database firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious SQL patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, application-level defenses such as implementing proper error handling and memory sanitization techniques can help reduce the attack surface while maintaining operational continuity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper resource management in database engines and highlights how seemingly isolated memory management issues can cascade into severe security implications across entire application ecosystems.