External risk intelligence

SQLite Out-of-Bounds Read in rtreenode Function

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2019-8457

SQLite is a local, embedded database library rather than a standalone network service. While it is widely used within countless applications, it does not typically expose its own network interface to the internet. Direct exposure usually requires a specific application implementation that accepts and processes malicious input into the database engine, making public internet exposure of this specific component uncommon.

Out-of-bounds Read

Sqlite

3.6.0 to 3.27.214.0416.0418.0418.1019.04293042.3

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

This advisory addresses a vulnerability in SQLite3, a widely used database library, that could allow attackers to read or modify memory when processing specific, malformed data. While the vulnerability is severe, its real-world impact depends heavily on how SQLite3 is implemented and exposed within your organization's applications. The primary concern is to confirm if any affected versions are in use and understand their specific deployment context.

Flaw in widely used database library.
Matters if used in sensitive applications.
Confirm relevance and exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could reach this vulnerability by sending specially crafted data to an application that uses a vulnerable version of the SQLite3 library. If the application processes this data without proper validation, it can cause the `rtreenode()` function to read beyond its allocated memory, potentially leading to the disclosure or corruption of sensitive data.

Network access to affected application.
Trigger vulnerable `rtreenode()` function.
Information disclosure or memory corruption.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

When handling invalid rtree tables, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to read sensitive information from memory. This could occur when an application using a vulnerable version of SQLite processes specially crafted input.

System memory could be read.
Malicious input could be processed.
Information disclosure may occur.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Application owners and infrastructure teams are likely responsible for addressing this vulnerability, as SQLite is a widely embedded library. The first practical step is to identify all systems running affected versions, confirm their exposure and criticality, and then plan remediation based on risk.

Identify affected systems and owners.
Verify exposure and business criticality.
Plan remediation based on risk assessment.

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 where is it commonly used?

SQLite is a compact, self-contained database engine used as a software library rather than a standalone server. It is embedded directly into countless applications, operating systems, and mobile devices to store and manage local data efficiently.

What does CWE-125 mean in the context of CVE-2019-8457?

CWE-125 refers to an out-of-bounds read. In this CVE, the SQLite library fails to properly check memory boundaries when handling specific rtree table structures. This allows the application to read data outside of the intended memory buffer, which can lead to information disclosure or instability.

How is this SQLite vulnerability triggered?

The flaw is triggered when an application processes specially crafted input that causes the rtreenode() function to access memory incorrectly. The bug is only triggered if the software uses the specific rtree module; standard database queries that do not involve malformed rtree table handling will not activate this condition.

Why does Halo Surface Signal categorize this as unlikely to be internet-facing?

SQLite is an embedded library, not a network service that listens for incoming connections. Because it typically runs internally within an application, it does not have a direct public interface. Exposure usually requires a complex chain where an application accepts and processes malicious user-supplied data into the SQLite engine.

What steps should I take if I use software containing SQLite?

Start by identifying which systems in your environment rely on SQLite versions 3.6.0 through 3.27.2. Once identified, evaluate if these applications handle untrusted user input, as this increases risk. Prioritize updates for systems that process external data, then coordinate with development or vendor teams to patch the library.

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.