CVE-2021-3119: Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.3 has a NULL pointer dereferencing issue related to sqlcipher_export in crypt

This week

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-3119 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting sqlcipher. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.3 has a NULL pointer dereferencing issue related to sqlcipher_export in crypto.c and sqlite3StrICmp in sqlite3.c. This may allow an attacker to perform a remote denial of service attack. For example, an SQL injection can be used to execute the crafted SQL command sequence, which causes a segmentation fault.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 25%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-476
Published	2021-03-25
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: zetetic

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-03-25 23:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

zetetic sqlcipher UPGRADE

Affected: >= 4.0 and < 4.4.3

Fixed in: 4.4.3

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy sqlcipher || rpm -q sqlcipher || sqlcipher --version

2. UPGRADE to 4.4.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade sqlcipher

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade sqlcipher

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison sqlcipher sudo apt install sqlcipher=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo apt-mark hold sqlcipher

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list sqlcipher sudo dnf downgrade sqlcipher-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo dnf versionlock add sqlcipher

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2021-3119?

sqlcipher: upgrade to 4.4.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-3119 being exploited?

CVE-2021-3119 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2021-3119 affect?

CVE-2021-3119 affects sqlcipher. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.3 has a NULL pointer dereferencing issue related to sqlcipher_export in crypto.c and sqlite3StrICmp in sqlite3.c. This may allow an attacker to perform a remote denial of service attack. For example, an SQL

How urgent is CVE-2021-3119?

Priority 55/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2020-27207 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Zetetic SQLCipher 4.x before 4.4.1 has a use-after-free, related to sqlcipher_codec_pragma and sqlite3Strlen30

References

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