CVE-2016-7048 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
The interactive installer in PostgreSQL before 9.3.15, 9.4.x before 9.4.10, and 9.5.x before 9.5.5 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging use of HTTP to download software.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7048 affects PostgreSQL database systems across multiple version branches including 9.3.15, 9.4.10, and 9.5.5, representing a critical security flaw in the interactive installer component. This issue stems from the installer's improper handling of HTTP downloads, creating a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by attackers positioned outside the target network. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the installer attempts to fetch additional software components via HTTP protocols, which lacks proper validation and sanitization of downloaded content. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the download process and inject malicious code that gets executed during the installation procedure, potentially compromising the entire system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-502 which addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and represents a classic example of insecure remote code execution through software installation processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installer's reliance on HTTP connections for downloading supplementary software components without adequate security measures. When PostgreSQL's interactive installer connects to remote servers to fetch additional packages, it fails to validate the integrity of downloaded files or verify the authenticity of remote sources. This insecure approach creates multiple attack surfaces where malicious actors can intercept network traffic, modify downloaded content, or redirect requests to malicious servers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates during the installation phase when system privileges are typically elevated, allowing successful exploitation to result in full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this weakness to inject malicious binaries, backdoors, or other harmful payloads that execute with the privileges of the installer process. This flaw directly corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1195.001 which covers the use of content injection attacks through network protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7048 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Organizations deploying affected PostgreSQL versions face significant risk during installation phases, as attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to database servers, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or system-wide compromise. The vulnerability affects not only database servers but also any system where PostgreSQL installation occurs, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments with multiple deployment scenarios. Security teams must consider that successful exploitation could provide attackers with persistent access to database infrastructure, enabling long-term surveillance and data manipulation. The risk is compounded by the fact that many organizations may not immediately patch their PostgreSQL installations, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in supply chain attacks where attackers compromise legitimate software distribution channels to deliver malicious payloads during the installation process, representing a significant concern for organizations relying on automated deployment mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address CVE-2016-7048, beginning with immediate patching of all affected PostgreSQL installations to versions 9.3.15, 9.4.10, or 9.5.5. The recommended approach includes conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected PostgreSQL versions and prioritizing patch deployment across all environments. Security configurations should be enhanced to disable automatic HTTP downloads in installer processes and implement strict network controls to prevent unauthorized access to installation components. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous installation activities or unexpected network connections during PostgreSQL setup processes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict outbound HTTP traffic from installation servers, while also enforcing secure protocols such as HTTPS for all software downloads. Additional protective measures include implementing code signing verification for all installation packages, deploying network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious download patterns, and establishing secure software supply chain practices that validate the integrity of all downloaded components. These mitigations align with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.