Heap Overflow Vulnerability in SQLite
Summary
CVE-2020-15358: In SQLite before 3.32.3, select.c mishandles query-flattener optimization, leading to a multiSelectOrderBy heap overflow because of misuse of transitive properties for constant propagation. Affects sqlite across 2 version ranges.
< 3.32.1-r1
< ee3686eb50c0e3dbb087c9a0976f7e37e1b014ae
Fixed in 3.32.1-r1. How to fix ↓
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Background
SQLite is a popular open-source relational database management system that is widely used in various applications. It provides a lightweight, self-contained, and serverless database engine. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-15358, affects SQLite versions before 3.32.3. This vulnerability arises due to a flaw in the query-flattener optimization process in the select.c module of SQLite. The flaw allows an attacker to trigger a heap overflow by exploiting the misuse of transitive properties for constant propagation in the multiSelectOrderBy function.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in SQLite can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition. By crafting a malicious query, an attacker can trigger the heap overflow, potentially leading to remote code execution or crashing the application. The impact of this vulnerability depends on the context in which SQLite is used. If SQLite is integrated into a web application or any other system that processes untrusted input, the risk of exploitation increases significantly.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.32.1-r1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade sqliteTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, developers can disable the query-flattener optimization feature in SQLite. This can be achieved by setting the SQLITE_OMIT_SUBQUERY flag during the compilation process. However, this workaround may impact the performance of the application, and it is strongly recommended to apply the official patch or upgrade to the latest version as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The heap overflow vulnerability in SQLite (CVE-2020-15358) poses a significant risk to applications utilizing SQLite for data storage and processing. It is crucial to promptly update SQLite to version 3.32.3 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Regularly checking for updates and applying patches is essential for maintaining the security of your application. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
SQLite is an open-source relational database management system that provides a lightweight, self-contained, and serverless database engine. It is widely used in various applications, including mobile devices, embedded systems, and web browsers.
The vulnerability allows an attacker to trigger a heap overflow in SQLite, potentially leading to remote code execution or crashing the application. The impact depends on the context in which SQLite is used and the presence of other security measures.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade SQLite to version 3.32.3 or later. The SQLite project has released a patch to address this issue. Regularly checking for updates and applying patches promptly is crucial for maintaining the security of your application.
As a temporary workaround, developers can disable the query-flattener optimization feature in SQLite by setting the SQLITE_OMIT_SUBQUERY flag during compilation. However, it is strongly advised to apply the official patch or upgrade to the latest version as soon as possible.
For more information about this vulnerability, you can refer to the CVE-2020-15358 entry in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) or visit the official SQLite website.
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