Use After Free in SQLite 3.41 JSON Extraction

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a use-after-free issue in SQLite version 3.41 affecting the JSON extraction function. When processing malformed JSON payloads, the program frees memory for a JsonParse object but later accesses its internal members, causing crashes or denial of service. Exploitation requires remote SQL execution with controlled JSON inputs.

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Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, monitor SQLite 3.41 instances for crashes when processing JSON payloads. Use AddressSanitizer (ASan) to detect heap-use-after-free errors during JSON parsing. Test with malformed JSON inputs like the proof-of-concept query: SELECT json_extract('{"data":[', '$.data[0]');

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Impact Analysis

This flaw can crash database services, leading to denial of service. It may also leak sensitive heap memory data, including leftover query information or runtime secrets. Attackers only need remote SQL access with JSON parameters to exploit it.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could impact compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by enabling denial of service attacks that disrupt database services handling sensitive data. A crash in SQLite could lead to service unavailability, potentially violating availability requirements in these regulations. Additionally, the information disclosure aspect may expose sensitive heap memory, risking unauthorized access to personal or health data.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediately upgrade SQLite to a patched version if available. If upgrading is not possible, restrict SQL JSON function access to untrusted users. Monitor database logs for crashes or ASan errors indicating exploitation attempts.

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