CVE-2026-54620 in sqlite3-ruby
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2026
sqlite3 provides Ruby bindings for the SQLite3 embedded database. From 2.1.0 to 2.9.4, the callbacks used for SQLite aggregate functions can be freed while still referenced during aggregation, resulting in a use-after-free. This issue is fixed in version 2.9.5.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2026
The sqlite3 ruby gem represents a critical vulnerability that affects versions between 2.1.0 and 2.9.4, specifically targeting the handling of callbacks for SQLite aggregate functions. This flaw manifests as a use-after-free condition that occurs when the callback functions allocated for aggregate operations are prematurely deallocated while still being actively referenced during the aggregation process. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the ruby bindings implementation where the garbage collector or explicit cleanup mechanisms fail to maintain proper reference counting for these callback objects, creating a scenario where freed memory locations continue to be accessed by ongoing aggregation operations.
The technical execution of this use-after-free vulnerability occurs when SQLite aggregate functions are invoked through the ruby interface, with the underlying C code managing callback references that become invalid before all references are properly resolved. When an aggregate function processes multiple rows, the callback objects may be freed during intermediate steps while still being referenced by the aggregation engine, leading to memory corruption and potential arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations where resources are accessed after they have been freed. The flaw represents a classic memory safety issue that can be exploited through controlled data inputs that trigger specific aggregation scenarios within the database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential attack vectors for remote code execution when applications using sqlite3 ruby bindings process untrusted input through aggregate functions. Attackers could craft malicious SQL queries that invoke specific aggregate operations with crafted parameters to trigger the use-after-free condition, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application. The vulnerability affects any ruby application that utilizes the sqlite3 gem for database operations involving aggregate functions such as count, sum, avg, or custom aggregate implementations, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, data processing systems, and any environment where user input is processed through database queries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 2.9.5 or later, which implements proper reference counting and memory management for callback objects used in aggregate functions. System administrators should prioritize updating the sqlite3 gem across all affected environments and conduct thorough testing to ensure no regressions occur in existing database operations. Additional defensive measures include implementing input validation and sanitization for all SQL queries that might trigger aggregation functions, monitoring for unusual memory access patterns during database operations, and considering runtime protections such as address space layout randomization or heap hardening techniques. Organizations should also review their application code to identify any custom aggregate function implementations that might be susceptible to this class of vulnerability and ensure proper resource management practices are followed according to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection prevention. The fix implemented in version 2.9.5 demonstrates proper memory lifecycle management that prevents premature deallocation of callback objects while maintaining the functionality of aggregate database operations, aligning with secure coding practices recommended by both CWE guidelines and industry security frameworks.