CVE-2026-120064 in psqlODBC
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2026
Several psqlODBC entry points use an application-supplied column number or row index as an array index without validating it. SQLBindCol with a column number above 32767 wraps the binding count negative and a later copy runs off the array. A negative SQL_DESC_COUNT on an application row descriptor unbinds columns at negative indexes. SQLColAttribute with a very large column number uses a negative index. SQLSetPos(SQL_ADD) does not check the row number against the rowset size. An application that forwards untrusted column or row numbers exposes its process to out-of-bounds reads and writes. Versions before psqlODBC 18.00.0006 are affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2026
The vulnerability in question stems from a critical lack of input validation within the PostgreSQL ODBC driver, specifically affecting several entry points that handle column numbers and row indices provided by applications. These parameters serve as array indexes during various database operations, yet the software fails to verify whether these values fall within acceptable bounds before using them for memory access. This design flaw creates a scenario where malicious or malformed input can lead to severe security consequences, primarily out-of-bounds reads and writes, which compromise the integrity of the driver process and potentially allow for remote code execution if exploited effectively.
A primary vector for this vulnerability involves the SQLBindCol function when supplied with a column number exceeding 32767. Due to integer overflow or improper handling of large unsigned values as signed integers, the binding count wraps around to become negative. Subsequently, when the driver attempts to copy data based on this negative index, it accesses memory locations outside the intended array boundaries. This behavior is indicative of a classic out-of-bounds write vulnerability, where the application writes data to an arbitrary memory location determined by the attacker-controlled input. Such operations can corrupt adjacent heap structures or overwrite critical function pointers, leading to arbitrary code execution.
Another significant risk arises from SQLColAttribute when invoked with a very large column number. Similar to the previous case, this oversized value is interpreted as a negative index during internal processing. This leads to out-of-bounds read operations, allowing an attacker to potentially leak sensitive information stored in memory adjacent to the expected data structures. Information disclosure through such side-channel effects can provide attackers with valuable insights into the system's state, facilitating further exploitation steps or bypassing security controls that rely on memory layout randomization.
The vulnerability also extends to row descriptor handling via SQLSetPos when used with the SQL_ADD option. In this context, the driver fails to validate the provided row number against the allocated rowset size. If an application forwards a row index larger than the available buffer, the driver may write data beyond the end of the array. This unchecked boundary condition represents another instance of out-of-bounds memory access, reinforcing the systemic nature of the flaw across multiple API endpoints within the psqlODBC library. The cumulative effect of these flaws is that any application utilizing this driver and passing untrusted or insufficiently validated column or row numbers exposes itself to significant security risks including buffer overflows, data corruption, and potential privilege escalation.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input, as the core issue is copying data based on unchecked input sizes that lead to memory boundary violations. Additionally, it relates to CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write and CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read depending on whether the specific exploit path involves writing or reading operations. In terms of attack patterns, this aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques involving exploitation for code execution via memory corruption, specifically leveraging improper input validation to bypass security mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies must focus primarily on updating the psqlODBC driver to version 18.00.0006 or later, where these boundary checks have presumably been implemented by the developers. For applications unable to update immediately, defensive programming practices should be adopted within the application layer. Developers must rigorously validate all column numbers and row indices passed to ODBC functions against known valid ranges before invoking API calls. Implementing strict input sanitization routines that reject values outside expected parameters can prevent triggering these vulnerable code paths. Furthermore, enabling Address Sanitizer during development and testing phases can help identify such memory safety issues early in the software lifecycle. Organizations should also consider deploying runtime application self-protection tools or intrusion detection systems capable of detecting anomalous memory access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts against ODBC drivers.