CVE-2019-16226 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been found in py-lmdb 0.97 that could lead to unauthorized write operations when accessing a data.mdb file provided by a malicious actor.

Understanding CVE-2019-16226

This CVE identifies a flaw in the mdb_node_del function of py-lmdb 0.97.

What is CVE-2019-16226?

The issue arises due to a lack of validation in memmove when encountering an unexpected node->mn_hi, allowing for an invalid write operation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16226

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to perform unauthorized write operations on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16226

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The function mdb_node_del in py-lmdb 0.97 fails to validate a memmove operation, leading to potential unauthorized write actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: 0.97

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the mdb_node_del function when accessing a data.mdb file provided by a malicious actor.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protective measures to address CVE-2019-16226.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid accessing data.mdb files from untrusted sources.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to unauthorized write operations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update py-lmdb to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and restrictions on sensitive files to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that py-lmdb is updated to a version that includes a fix for the vulnerability.