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CVE Record

CVE-2020-27207: Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.1 has a use-after-free, related to sqlcipher_codec_pragma and sqlite3Strle...

Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.1 has a use-after-free, related to sqlcipher_codec_pragma and sqlite3Strlen30 in sqlite3.c. A remote denial of service attack can be performed. For example, a SQL injection can be used to execute the crafted SQL command sequence. After that, some unexpected RAM data is read.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.1 can mishandle memory and crash when exposed to a crafted SQL command sequence. The CVE says this can be reached remotely if an attacker can make the application execute injected SQL. It may also read unexpected RAM data.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted remediation item, not an emergency based on current evidence. Prioritize internet-facing or partner-facing applications that embed old SQLCipher and accept untrusted input reaching database logic.

Technical view

CVE-2020-27207 is a use-after-free in Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.1, related to sqlcipher_codec_pragma and sqlite3Strlen30 in sqlite3.c. Public details describe remote denial of service and unexpected RAM reads when crafted SQL is executed, including through SQL injection.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely in applications embedding SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.1, especially where user input can influence SQL statements. The source bundle does not identify specific downstream products or platforms.

Exploitation context

The CVE describes remote denial of service through crafted SQL execution, with SQL injection as an example path. CISA KEV is false, and the provided sources do not claim active exploitation in the wild.

Researcher notes

Public evidence is limited: no CVSS, CWE, or affected CPEs are supplied. The strongest indicators are the CVE description and the SQLCipher 4.4.0 to 4.4.1 comparison. Avoid assuming broader impact beyond SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.1.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade embedded SQLCipher 4.x builds to 4.4.1 or later.
  • Rebuild and redeploy applications that statically bundle vulnerable SQLCipher code.
  • Check Zetetic or application vendor guidance for platform-specific fixes.
  • Reduce SQL injection risk with parameterized queries and strict input handling.
  • Prioritize externally reachable applications that process untrusted database queries.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory applications and libraries that include SQLCipher.
  • Confirm deployed SQLCipher versions are 4.4.1 or later.
  • Review dependency lockfiles, mobile builds, and vendored source copies.
  • Test exposed SQL paths for injection risk using approved defensive methods.
  • Confirm no service crashes occur during authorized regression testing.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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description · low confidence lookup

Database behavior lookup

The CVE wording references database injection or access, so collection and exfiltration review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2020-27207 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.