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CVE-2026-51304 SQLite CVE debrief

A use-after-free vulnerability was discovered in sqlite 3.41's ORDER BY clause parsing routine. The affected code releases the memory of an ExprList object via sqlite3ExprListDelete(), then attempts to access the nExpr member of the already freed object. This can cause application crashes, sensitive memory leakage, and potentially arbitrary code execution. Developers and administrators using sqlite 3.41 should prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent potential denial of service, sensitive memory exposure, and code execution.

Vendor
SQLite
Product
SQLite 3.41
CVSS
HIGH 7.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-27
Original CVE updated
2026-07-31
Advisory published
2026-07-27
Advisory updated
2026-07-31

Who should care

Developers and administrators using sqlite 3.41 should prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent potential denial of service, sensitive memory exposure, and code execution. Operators, platform administrators, vulnerability management teams, and security teams should review the official advisory and assess their exposure.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the ORDER BY clause parsing routine of sqlite 3.41. A remote adversary can trigger this by constructing a malicious SQL statement with a large number of items in the ORDER BY clause. This leads to a use-after-free condition, causing invalid memory read operations. The affected code releases the memory of an ExprList object via sqlite3ExprListDelete(), then attempts to access the nExpr member of the already freed object.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to patching this vulnerability due to its high CVSS score of 7.5 and potential impact on application stability and security.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the official patch or update to a fixed version of sqlite.
  • Review and restrict SQL queries to prevent malicious input.
  • Monitor for suspicious database activity.
  • Implement additional security measures such as memory protection and exploit mitigation techniques.
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified.
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented.

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-27T16:17:39.500Z and last modified on 2026-07-27T18:16:56.237Z. The NVD entry is currently unconfirmed. Evidence is limited to CVE.org and NVD details. Defenders should verify affected sqlite 3.41 deployments and review official advisories for scope, severity, and vendor guidance.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-51304 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-51304

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-51304 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-51304

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.