CVE-2024-57645

7.5 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in OpenLink Virtuoso OpenSource allows attackers to execute crafted SQL statements that trigger a memory management flaw in the qi_inst_state_free component, causing the database server to crash and resulting in Denial of Service. Any system running vulnerable versions of Virtuoso OpenSource with SQL query processing enabled is affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • OpenLink Virtuoso OpenSource
Versions: v7.2.11 and potentially earlier versions
Operating Systems: All platforms running Virtuoso OpenSource
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects systems where SQL query processing is enabled (default configuration).

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete database service outage, disrupting all applications dependent on Virtuoso, potentially leading to extended downtime and data unavailability.

🟠

Likely Case

Intermittent database crashes requiring manual restart, causing application errors and temporary service disruption.

🟢

If Mitigated

Minimal impact with proper input validation and query filtering in place, though the underlying vulnerability remains.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Attackers can send crafted SQL statements directly to exposed database endpoints.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Requires authenticated access or SQL injection vectors in applications.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires ability to execute SQL statements, typically through application interfaces or direct database access.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Check GitHub issue for latest patched version

Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/openlink/virtuoso-opensource/issues/1197

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Monitor the GitHub issue for patch release. 2. Update to the patched version when available. 3. Test in non-production environment first.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Input Validation and Filtering

all

Implement strict input validation and SQL query filtering at application layer

Network Segmentation

all

Restrict database access to trusted application servers only

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection protection rules
  • Monitor for abnormal SQL query patterns and implement rate limiting

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Virtuoso version: SELECT sys_stat('st_dbms_version'); If version is v7.2.11 or earlier, assume vulnerable.

Check Version:

SELECT sys_stat('st_dbms_version');

Verify Fix Applied:

After patching, verify version is updated and test with safe SQL queries to ensure stability.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Database crash logs
  • Abnormal termination of virtuoso-t process
  • Error messages containing 'qi_inst_state_free'

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual SQL query patterns
  • Multiple connection attempts followed by service unavailability

SIEM Query:

source="virtuoso.log" AND ("crash" OR "segmentation fault" OR "qi_inst_state_free")

🔗 References

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