CVE-2024-27289 in pgx
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2024
pgx is a PostgreSQL driver and toolkit for Go. Prior to version 4.18.2, SQL injection can occur when all of the following conditions are met: the non-default simple protocol is used; a placeholder for a numeric value must be immediately preceded by a minus; there must be a second placeholder for a string value after the first placeholder; both must be on the same line; and both parameter values must be user-controlled. The problem is resolved in v4.18.2. As a workaround, do not use the simple protocol or do not place a minus directly before a placeholder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-27289 affects pgx, a popular PostgreSQL driver and toolkit for the Go programming language. This issue represents a significant security flaw that could enable malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations through SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets applications using the pgx library with non-default simple protocol settings, making it particularly concerning for developers who rely on this driver for database connectivity in their applications. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly innocuous coding patterns can create dangerous security vulnerabilities when combined with specific protocol configurations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of parameter placeholders within SQL query construction when using the simple protocol mode. The flaw occurs under very specific conditions that create a parsing ambiguity in the driver's parameter substitution mechanism. When a numeric placeholder is immediately preceded by a minus sign, followed by a second placeholder for a string value on the same line, and both parameters are user-controlled, the driver fails to properly separate these values during query execution. This parsing failure allows attackers to manipulate the SQL structure by injecting malicious content through the user-controlled parameters. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Applications using pgx with the affected simple protocol configuration become vulnerable to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction to exploit and can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks within database environments. Organizations relying on Go applications with PostgreSQL connectivity through pgx should immediately assess their codebases for potential exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges or specialized knowledge of database internals.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27289 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to pgx version 4.18.2 or later, which contains the necessary code fixes to properly handle parameter parsing under the affected conditions. Organizations should implement comprehensive testing procedures to verify that their applications are not using the vulnerable simple protocol configuration. Alternative approaches include avoiding the simple protocol mode entirely in favor of the more secure prepared statement protocol, or restructuring parameter usage to eliminate the specific pattern that triggers the vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and input validation controls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security audits to identify other potential vulnerabilities in database access components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper parameter handling in database drivers and the need for thorough testing of edge cases in security-sensitive components.