Google AI “Big Sleep” Detects Critical SQLite Vulnerability Before Exploitation Could Occur
On July 16, 2025, Google announced a significant achievement in cybersecurity through its AI-driven vulnerability assessment tool, known as Big Sleep. This large language model (LLM)-assisted framework successfully detected a critical security vulnerability in the widely used SQLite open-source database engine, preventing potential exploitation by malicious actors.
The vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-6965 and assigned a CVSS score of 7.2, pertains to a memory corruption issue present in all versions of SQLite released prior to 3.50.2. The discovery of this flaw was made possible through a collaborative effort between DeepMind and Google Project Zero, showcasing the advancing capabilities of AI in identifying security weaknesses.
According to SQLite project maintainers, the vulnerability arises when an attacker injects arbitrary SQL statements into vulnerable applications, potentially causing an integer overflow that could lead to reading beyond the end of an allocated array. Such conditions create an opening for data breaches that could significantly impact organizational security.
In describing the implications of CVE-2025-6965, Google emphasized that this critical security issue was initially known only to threat actors, putting systems at significant risk of compromise. The tech giant has not disclosed specific information concerning the identity of these threat actors or their probable operational methods.
Given the nature of the vulnerability and its potential for exploitation, it may fall under several tactics identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Initial access could be gained through SQL injection, a widely recognized technique that allows adversaries to manipulate queries and gain control over targeted systems. Additionally, if an attacker established a foothold within a network, they might employ techniques related to privilege escalation, further amplifying the threat posed by this vulnerability.
As organizations rely increasingly on open-source databases like SQLite for various applications, awareness and quick action in response to vulnerabilities such as CVE-2025-6965 become imperative. With AI tools like Big Sleep aiding in the proactive identification of security flaws, business owners can augment their cybersecurity strategies, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to safeguard against emerging threats in a continually evolving landscape.
In conclusion, as the threat landscape becomes ever more sophisticated, the ability of AI to preemptively identify vulnerabilities plays a critical role in bolstering cybersecurity defenses. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive measures and the necessity of maintaining updated software versions to minimize risk exposure.
