CVE-2025-29088

What it actually does

A flaw in the SQLITE_DBCONFIG_LOOKASIDE component of SQLite 3.49.0 allows an attacker to trigger a denial of service condition that crashes or hangs the database engine.

Why it matters to the business

Applications and services using the affected SQLite version may experience unexpected downtime or loss of availability, disrupting operations until the database process is restarted or the issue is resolved.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker identifies an application that exposes SQLite configuration interfaces or accepts untrusted inputs, then supplies crafted settings or queries targeting the lookaside buffer to exhaust resources or induce a crash.

How to fix it

Upgrade SQLite to the fixed commit 56d2fd008b108109f489339f5fd55212bb50afd4 or a later release that resolves the lookaside component issue.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the deployed SQLite binary or library reports a version containing commit 56d2fd008b108109f489339f5fd55212bb50afd4 and verify that lookaside buffer configuration changes no longer produce crashes under test conditions.

Typical attack path

1. Locate applications or services embedding the vulnerable SQLite version
2. Craft input or configuration that abuses SQLITE_DBCONFIG_LOOKASIDE
3. Deliver the input via database API calls or query interfaces
4. Observe or repeat the action to sustain the denial of service

How to detect it

Review application and database logs for repeated SQLite crashes, errors mentioning lookaside configuration, or sudden process terminations coinciding with database API usage.

What your security team should do

• Apply the upstream fix to all instances using the vulnerable SQLite release
• Inventory and prioritize patching of high-exposure services first
• Monitor application logs for SQLite-related crashes during the update window