CVE-2026-16240
Description
A flaw was found in PostgreSQL's pg_basebackup utility. An attacker who has already compromised a database server can supply a crafted backup manifest containing unexpected formatting characters. When the client utility processes this data, it can lead to information disclosure by exposing internal client memory contents.
Statement
This vulnerability is rated with a Low severity impact on Red Hat products because successful exploitation requires an adversary to have already gained control over the target database server before interacting with the client utility. The pg_basebackup tool is a short-lived administrative utility invoked on demand, significantly narrowing the window of exposure compared to continuously running services. Furthermore, memory contents are not automatically exfiltrated across the network during execution, and arbitrary memory write operations are precluded by the underlying formatting routine.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
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 | 3.7 | N/A | 3.7 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | High | N/A | High |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | Low | N/A | Low |
| Integrity Impact | None | N/A | None |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Memory
Format string problems allow for information disclosure which can severely simplify exploitation of the program.
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Format string problems can result in the execution of arbitrary code, buffer overflows, denial of service, or incorrect data representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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