CVE-2026-116332
Description
A flaw was found in PostgreSQL. This vulnerability allows an authenticated database user with object creation privileges to execute arbitrary code with the permissions of the operating system user running the database service. The issue stems from a use-after-free flaw (accessing memory after it has been released) during portal setup, which occurs when user-defined code executes during query planning or execution startup and closes the portal currently being prepared.
Statement
This vulnerability is rated as Important severity because an authenticated database user with privileges to create objects can execute arbitrary commands on the host operating system under the PostgreSQL service account. On typical Red Hat Enterprise Linux deployments, database instances are restricted to authorized applications and users, limiting immediate exposure. However, in shared or multi-tenant database environments where non-administrative users are granted rights to define custom routines, this flaw allows complete breakout from SQL execution contexts into the underlying host environment. While the prerequisite of having database credentials and object creation permissions reduces widespread automated exposure, the severe consequence of arbitrary code execution justifies an Important rather than Moderate rating.
Mitigation
Restrict network access to trusted management hosts and revoke object creation privileges from non-administrative users:
1. Limit network access to the PostgreSQL service using firewalld to permit only trusted IP addresses:
firewall-cmd --permanent --zone=trusted --add-source=<trusted_ip_or_subnet>
firewall-cmd --permanent --zone=public --remove-port=5432/tcp
firewall-cmd --reload
2. Revoke permissions from untrusted roles to create objects and functions within database schemas:
REVOKE CREATE ON SCHEMA public FROM PUBLIC;
Caveats: Restricting network traffic prevents external clients outside allowlisted subnets from accessing database services. Revoking schema creation privileges prevents non-administrative users from defining custom objects or tables until administrative approval is granted.
Warning: Modifying firewall configurations or reloading firewall rules can disrupt active database network connections.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 8.8 | N/A | 8.8 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | Low |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | High | N/A | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Memory
If the expired pointer is used in a read operation, an attacker might be able to control data read in by the application.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
If the expired pointer references a memory location that is not accessible to the product, or points to a location that is "malformed" (such as NULL) or larger than expected by a read or write operation, then a crash may occur.
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
If the expired pointer is used in a function call, or points to unexpected data in a write operation, then code execution may be possible.
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