CVE-2021-3119 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.3 has a NULL pointer dereferencing issue related to sqlcipher_export in crypto.c and sqlite3StrICmp in sqlite3.c. This vulnerability may allow an attacker to conduct a remote denial of service attack through methods like SQL injection, leading to a segmentation fault.

Understanding CVE-2021-3119

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE.

What is CVE-2021-3119?

CVE-2021-3119 is a vulnerability in Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before version 4.4.3 that involves a NULL pointer dereferencing issue. This flaw is associated with specific functions within the codebase, which can be exploited by attackers to trigger a denial of service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3119

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows malicious actors to potentially disrupt the services by causing a segmentation fault through a crafted SQL injection.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3119

This section outlines the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a NULL pointer dereferencing issue in Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x versions prior to 4.4.3, particularly within the functions sqlcipher_export in crypto.c and sqlite3StrICmp in sqlite3.c.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.3 are affected by this vulnerability, potentially putting systems at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves leveraging SQL injection to execute a malicious SQL command sequence, which triggers a segmentation fault and leads to a denial of service scenario.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2021-3119, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update Zetetic SQLCipher to version 4.4.3 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any unusual activities can help in detecting potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust input validation mechanisms and conducting regular security audits can enhance resilience against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Zetetic for SQLCipher is crucial to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.