CVE-2025-61022 Overview
CVE-2025-61022 affects the sqlo_tb_col_preds component in OpenLink Virtuoso OpenSource v7.2.11. Attackers can trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) condition by submitting crafted SQL statements to the database server. The flaw is categorized under [CWE-89] and reachable over the network without authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation crashes or hangs the Virtuoso process, disrupting availability for all connected applications that rely on the database backend.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can disrupt Virtuoso database availability by sending crafted SQL queries that crash the sqlo_tb_col_preds query optimizer routine.
Affected Products
- OpenLink Virtuoso OpenSource v7.2.11
- Earlier v7 branch builds that include the sqlo_tb_col_preds optimizer routine
- Applications and services that depend on a vulnerable Virtuoso backend
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-23 - CVE-2025-61022 published to NVD
- 2026-06-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-61022
Vulnerability Analysis
The defect resides in sqlo_tb_col_preds, a routine in the Virtuoso SQL optimizer that processes table column predicates during query planning. A specially crafted SQL statement drives the optimizer into a state it does not handle safely, terminating the server process or stalling query execution. Because Virtuoso exposes SQL endpoints over the network, any client able to submit a query can reach the vulnerable code path. The result is loss of availability for the database and for the SPARQL, HTTP, and WebDAV services Virtuoso hosts on top of it.
Root Cause
The issue is tracked under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). The optimizer fails to sanitize or validate predicate structures inside crafted SQL input before processing them. Detailed reproduction notes are available in the upstream GitHub Issue Discussion.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based with low complexity and requires no privileges or user interaction. An attacker sends a single malformed SQL statement to an exposed Virtuoso SQL endpoint. The vulnerable optimizer code path executes during query planning, before access controls on the underlying data can mitigate the impact, causing the daemon to crash.
No verified proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the upstream issue tracker for technical reproduction details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61022
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected termination or restart events of the virtuoso-t process
- Spikes in connection resets from clients to the Virtuoso SQL port (typically TCP 1111)
- Server log entries showing crashes during SQL query parsing or optimization
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Virtuoso server logs for abnormal optimizer errors and segmentation faults tied to query execution
- Inspect inbound SQL traffic for malformed or anomalously structured predicate expressions
- Correlate database service outages with preceding SQL queries from untrusted sources
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track availability metrics and crash counts of the Virtuoso process with host-level telemetry
- Alert on repeated client disconnects or query timeouts from a single source IP
- Capture and retain SQL query audit logs to support post-incident analysis
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61022
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to Virtuoso SQL endpoints using firewall rules or allow-lists
- Require authentication for all SQL connections and remove anonymous access where present
- Monitor the upstream GitHub Issue Discussion for an official patched release
Patch Information
No fixed version has been published in the NVD record at the time of writing. Track the upstream OpenLink Virtuoso repository and apply the next maintenance release that references this issue. Until a patch is available, treat any exposed v7.2.11 instance as vulnerable.
Workarounds
- Place Virtuoso behind a reverse proxy or query gateway that validates SQL input before forwarding
- Disable or firewall off public-facing SPARQL and SQL endpoints if not required for production use
- Configure process supervisors to automatically restart virtuoso-t after a crash to reduce downtime
# Restrict Virtuoso SQL port (default 1111) to trusted subnets only
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 1111 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 1111 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
