External risk intelligence

SQLite Integrity Check Flaw Allows Remote Code Execution.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2019-19646

SQLite is a database library embedded within other applications, not a standalone network-facing service. While it is used in various products, including some that may have network components, the vulnerability exists within the local database engine logic (pragma integrity_check). Public internet exposure is uncommon for this specific internal component, as it typically requires an attacker to interact with the host application first.

Sqlite

3.30.1 and earlierbefore 1.0.1.1before 5.19.08.0.19 and earlier

Halo Surface Signal: 2 out of 5 — less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability has been identified in the SQLite database library related to how it handles integrity checks. This could potentially allow for unauthorized access or modification of data within applications that use this library. The main concern is confirming if our environment utilizes affected versions of SQLite and what potential exposure exists.

SQLite database integrity check flaw.
Confirms relevance and potential exposure.
Understand affected systems and confirm usage.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could reach a vulnerable SQLite component by interacting with an application that uses the library. By sending a specially crafted database query involving an integrity check on generated columns, the attacker could trigger a flaw in how the component handles "NOT NULL" constraints. This flaw could potentially lead to a full system compromise.

Entry condition: Network access to an application using the library.
Trigger point: Malicious integrity check PRAGMA command.
Resulting risk: Complete system compromise.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could impact applications that use SQLite and process specific `PRAGMA integrity_check` commands. When improperly handled, these commands, particularly concerning generated columns, might lead to unexpected behavior or corruption of the database integrity, potentially affecting the reliability of data stored within affected systems.

Database integrity and reliability.
Malicious `PRAGMA` commands.
Data corruption or unexpected behavior.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in SQLite impacts applications and systems that embed it, potentially affecting platform teams and application owners. The first practical step is to identify all instances of SQLite or products that utilize it, determine their business criticality and network exposure, and locate the accountable owners. Remediation planning should then be prioritized based on this risk assessment.

Identify owning teams for affected products.
Verify reachability and criticality of deployments.
Plan remediation based on identified risk.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is SQLite and how is it used?

SQLite is a widely used, self-contained database engine library that developers embed directly into other software applications. Unlike a traditional database server that runs as a background process, SQLite lives within the host application's memory space. It serves as a local storage solution for everything from desktop programs and mobile apps to complex network infrastructure tools and administrative management utilities.

What does CVE-2019-19646 mean for my software?

This CVE describes a logic error in how SQLite handles certain database integrity checks. Classified as Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions (CWE-754), the flaw occurs when the engine processes a specific command regarding table constraints on generated columns. Because the code fails to handle these constraints correctly, a malformed check command can cause the database engine to behave unpredictably, creating a security risk.

How can an attacker trigger this SQLite vulnerability?

To trigger the bug, an attacker must successfully send a specially crafted 'PRAGMA integrity_check' command to the underlying database engine via the host application. It is important to note that standard database queries that do not involve checking generated columns are not affected. The attack relies on reaching the specific logic used to validate database structure rather than standard data read or write operations.

Is my system at risk according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal indicates that while the vulnerability is severe, direct internet exposure is unlikely for the library itself. Because SQLite is an internal component, an attacker generally needs to gain access to the host application first before they can interact with the vulnerable library logic. Your risk depends on whether the host application provides an interface that passes user input directly into SQLite integrity commands.

How do I address this SQLite vulnerability?

The most effective first step is to create an inventory of all internal applications and third-party tools that utilize SQLite. Consult your software vendors to determine if they have released updates that include a patched version of the SQLite library. Prioritize remediation for systems that accept untrusted input, as these represent the most likely pathways for an attacker to reach the vulnerable code.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.