CVE-2022-35737

What it actually does

Array-bounds overflow triggered in SQLite when a C API function receives a string argument containing billions of bytes, leading to out-of-bounds memory access and denial of service.

Why it matters to the business

Applications relying on SQLite may crash or become unavailable when processing oversized string inputs, resulting in service disruptions for any system that accepts untrusted data through the database API; the library's extreme prevalence amplifies potential operational impact.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker supplies an extremely large string (billions of bytes) as an argument to a vulnerable SQLite C API call within an application, causing the bounds overflow and service interruption; public exploits exist and the flaw has been known since 2022.

How to fix it

Upgrade sqlite to version 3.39.2 or later; the GIT repository is fixed at commit 202b2a7b54ea2dd13a8a5adfd75523abe4dcf17f. Rebuild and redeploy any dependent applications after the upgrade.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the installed SQLite version is 3.39.2 or newer; attempt to reproduce the overflow using a test case that passes a multi-gigabyte string to the affected C API functions and verify no crash occurs.

Typical attack path

1. Locate an application or service that uses a vulnerable SQLite version and exposes a C API path accepting string input
2. Craft and deliver a payload containing billions of bytes in a single string argument
3. Trigger the SQLite C API call with the oversized string to induce the array-bounds overflow
4. Observe denial-of-service effect from the resulting memory corruption

How to detect it

Search application and system logs for SQLite-related crashes or segmentation faults occurring after receipt of unusually large string inputs; review process core dumps or memory error reports tied to SQLite C API entry points.

What your security team should do

• Immediately upgrade all instances of SQLite to 3.39.2 or the referenced commit
• Inventory and prioritize update of high-exposure applications that accept external input via SQLite C APIs
• Monitor EPSS trend and exploit availability for any delayed environments
• Add runtime checks or input-size limits in front of SQLite calls until patching is complete