Appsecure logo

CVE-2023-7104: Medium Vulnerability in SQLite SQLite3

A medium-severity vulnerability has been identified in SQLite SQLite3 up to version 3.43.0, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow. Organizations should prioritize patching to mitigate risks associated with this issue.

MEDIUMCVSS 5.5 · Published December 29, 2023

Not a customer? See how AppSecure simulates real world attacks to protect your infrastructure.

Speak to Experts

A vulnerability was found in SQLite SQLite3 up to 3.43.0 and classified as critical. This issue affects the function sessionReadRecord of the file ext/session/sqlite3session.c of the component make alltest Handler. The manipulation leads to heap-based buffer overflow. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-248999.

The severity level is classified as medium with a CVSS score of 5.5. This indicates that the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to organizations, particularly those utilizing SQLite in their applications.

Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and system instability due to the heap-based buffer overflow. The vulnerability can be exploited through adjacent network access, making it crucial for affected entities to take swift action.

Given the nature of this vulnerability and its critical classification, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Regular updates and timely application of patches are essential in maintaining the security integrity of systems.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability affects SQLite SQLite3 up to version 3.43.0, specifically targeting the sessionReadRecord function within the sqlite3session.c file. The CWE classifications associated with this vulnerability include CWE-122 and CWE-119, indicating issues related to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer.

The publication date of this vulnerability is December 29, 2023, and it has been classified as modified since its initial disclosure.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow that can occur if the sessionReadRecord function processes input that exceeds the allocated buffer size. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with adjacent network access, requiring low complexity and low privileges, as user interaction is not necessary.

The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, meaning that an attacker must be on the same local network as the target system. The attack complexity is low, and it requires low privileges to execute. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as low, indicating that while the risks are present, they do not result in severe compromises.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is significant, especially for organizations using SQLite in sensitive applications. The potential for exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to data or system disruptions.

Organizations should assess their deployment of SQLite and consider the impact this vulnerability may have on their operations. The urgency to address this vulnerability is high due to its medium CVSS score, which suggests that timely remediation should be prioritized.

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The affected versions include SQLite up to 3.43.0 and Fedora releases 38 and 39. Organizations using these versions should ensure they apply the necessary patches.

Mitigation & Remediation

To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the SQLite and Fedora projects. Maintaining up-to-date systems is critical for preventing vulnerabilities like this from being exploited.

If patches are unavailable, organizations can implement workarounds by limiting access to systems running affected versions and monitoring for unusual behavior.

For further guidance on validating fixes, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to ensure that all vulnerabilities have been addressed.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for any indicators of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory access errors or abnormal application behavior. Behavioral anomalies should be investigated promptly to prevent potential exploitation.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

The long-term significance of this vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining secure coding practices in application development. It also emphasizes the need for regular security assessments to identify potential weaknesses before they can be exploited.

This vulnerability is a reminder of the trends in software vulnerabilities, particularly in widely-used libraries like SQLite. As such, organizations should regularly review their use of third-party components and ensure they are kept up-to-date.

For further reading on security best practices, organizations can refer to our resources on penetration testing methodology, the importance of a vulnerability management program, and strategies for security testing to enhance their overall security posture.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

Latest CVEs. Recently published vulnerabilities from the NVD database.

View all vulnerabilities
CVE IDSeverity
CVE-2025-65418HIGH
CVE-2025-65417MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65416MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65415MEDIUM
CVE-2025-61314HIGH

Protect Your Business with Hacker-Focused Approach.