Preventing the Vulnerability

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 126 views

CVE-2022-41853 (High) Detected in hsqldb-2.5.2.jar: A Critical Vulnerability in Java SQL Database Engine

Introduction

The HyperSQL Database (HSQLDB) is a lightweight, 100% Java SQL database engine that provides a robust and reliable solution for storing and managing data in Java-based applications. However, a critical vulnerability has been detected in the HSQLDB library, specifically in the hsqldb-2.5.2.jar version. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-41853, has a high severity rating and can potentially allow remote code execution attacks.

Vulnerability Details

The CVE-2022-41853 vulnerability affects applications that use the java.sql.Statement or java.sql.PreparedStatement classes in HSQLDB to process untrusted input. By default, HSQLDB allows the execution of any static method of any Java class in the classpath, which can lead to code execution attacks. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or other malicious activities.

Preventing the Vulnerability

To prevent this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the HSQLDB library to version 2.7.1 or later, which has addressed this issue. Alternatively, you can set the system property "hsqldb.method_class_names" to specify the classes that are allowed to be called. For example, you can use the following code to set the property:

System.setProperty("hsqldb.method_class_names", "abc");

You can also pass the property as a Java argument using the -D flag:

java -Dhsqldb.method_class_names="abc" YourApplication

From version 2.7.1, all classes are not accessible by default, except for those in java.lang.Math. To enable access to other classes, you need to manually specify them in the hsqldb.method_class_names property.

CVSS 3 Score Details

The CVE-2022-41853 vulnerability has a CVSS 3 score of 8.0, indicating a high severity rating. The CVSS 3 score is calculated based on the following metrics:

Base Score Metrics:

Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: High
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Changed

Impact Metrics:

Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High

Conclusion

The CVE-2022-41853 vulnerability in the HSQLDB library is a critical issue that can potentially allow remote code execution attacks. To prevent this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the HSQLDB library to version 2.7.1 or later, or set the system property "hsqldb.method_class_names" to specify the classes that are allowed to be called. It is essential to take immediate action to address this vulnerability and ensure the security of your Java-based applications.

Recommended Actions

Update the HSQLDB library to version 2.7.1 or later
Set the system property "hsqldb.method_class_names" to specify the classes that are allowed to be called
Pass the property as a Java argument using the -D flag
Review and update your Java-based applications to ensure they are not vulnerable to this issue

Additional Resources

CVE-2022-41853
HSQLDB Documentation
CVSS 3 Calculator
CVE-2022-41853 (High) Detected in hsqldb-2.5.2.jar: A Critical Vulnerability in Java SQL Database Engine - Q&A

Introduction

Q&A

Q: What is the CVE-2022-41853 vulnerability?

A: The CVE-2022-41853 vulnerability is a critical issue in the HSQLDB library that allows remote code execution attacks. It affects applications that use the java.sql.Statement or java.sql.PreparedStatement classes in HSQLDB to process untrusted input.

Q: What is the impact of this vulnerability?

A: The impact of this vulnerability is high, as it can potentially allow remote code execution attacks. This can lead to data breaches, system compromise, or other malicious activities.

Q: How can I prevent this vulnerability?

A: To prevent this vulnerability, you can update the HSQLDB library to version 2.7.1 or later, or set the system property "hsqldb.method_class_names" to specify the classes that are allowed to be called.

Q: What is the CVSS 3 score of this vulnerability?

A: The CVSS 3 score of this vulnerability is 8.0, indicating a high severity rating.

Q: What are the base score metrics of this vulnerability?

A: The base score metrics of this vulnerability are:

Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: High
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Changed

Q: What are the impact metrics of this vulnerability?

A: The impact metrics of this vulnerability are:

Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High

Q: What are the recommended actions to address this vulnerability?

A: The recommended actions to address this vulnerability are:

Update the HSQLDB library to version 2.7.1 or later
Set the system property "hsqldb.method_class_names" to specify the classes that are allowed to be called
Pass the property as a Java argument using the -D flag
Review and update your Java-based applications to ensure they are not vulnerable to this issue

Conclusion

The CVE-2022-41853 vulnerability in the HSQLDB library is a critical issue that can potentially allow remote code execution attacks. To prevent this vulnerability, it is essential to take immediate action and update the HSQLDB library to version 2.7.1 or later, or set the system property "hsqldb.method_class_names" to specify the classes that are allowed to be called.