CVE-2022-2625 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2022
A vulnerability found in postgresql. On this security issue an attack requires permission to create non-temporary objects in at least one schema, ability to lure or wait for an administrator to create or update an affected extension in that schema, and ability to lure or wait for a victim to use the object targeted in CREATE OR REPLACE or CREATE IF NOT EXISTS. Given all three prerequisites, the attacker can run arbitrary code as the victim role, which may be a superuser. Known-affected extensions include both PostgreSQL-bundled and non-bundled extensions. PostgreSQL blocks this attack in the core server, so there's no need to modify individual extensions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2026
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated privilege escalation flaw within PostgreSQL's extension management system that leverages a combination of schema-level permissions and object creation patterns to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability exists in the way PostgreSQL handles CREATE OR REPLACE and CREATE IF NOT EXISTS statements when dealing with extensions, creating a race condition scenario where an attacker with minimal permissions can manipulate the system to achieve elevated privileges. The attack requires three specific prerequisites that must be orchestrated carefully: first, the attacker must possess the ability to create non-temporary objects within at least one schema, second, they need to lure or wait for an administrator to create or update an affected extension in that same schema, and third, they must be able to lure or wait for a victim user to interact with the targeted object through the CREATE OR REPLACE or CREATE IF NOT EXISTS operations. This multi-stage attack vector demonstrates the complexity of modern database security vulnerabilities and the importance of understanding how different system components interact with each other.
The technical flaw stems from the improper handling of object creation and replacement operations within PostgreSQL's extension framework, where the system does not adequately validate the security context during these specific operations. When an extension is created or updated in a schema where an attacker has write permissions, the system's object replacement mechanisms can be manipulated to substitute legitimate objects with malicious counterparts. This vulnerability affects both PostgreSQL-bundled extensions and third-party extensions, indicating a fundamental flaw in the core server's extension handling rather than isolated issues within individual extension codebases. The attack mechanism operates through a carefully orchestrated timing attack where the attacker creates malicious objects that will be used during legitimate extension operations, effectively hijacking the execution context of administrative tasks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, which could potentially be a superuser account with extensive system access. This creates a serious risk for database environments where administrative tasks are performed by privileged users who may inadvertently interact with manipulated objects. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism for privilege escalation that bypasses normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. Organizations using PostgreSQL with extensions that are susceptible to this vulnerability face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and complete system compromise if attackers can successfully exploit this flaw. The fact that PostgreSQL blocks this attack at the core server level means that the vulnerability is not limited to specific extension implementations but represents a systemic weakness in the database engine's object management architecture.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual object creation patterns within schemas where extensions are managed. Database administrators should regularly audit schema permissions and object creation activities to detect potential malicious manipulation attempts. The recommended approach includes limiting the ability to create non-temporary objects in schemas that contain extensions, implementing proper monitoring for CREATE OR REPLACE and CREATE IF NOT EXISTS operations, and ensuring that administrative tasks are performed with the minimum necessary privileges. Additionally, organizations should maintain current PostgreSQL versions that include the core server fixes that prevent this attack vector from being exploited. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both the technical implementation flaws and the operational security practices that could enable such attacks.