CVE-2026-14669 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2026
Heap buffer overflow in PostgreSQL to_char(timestamptz) allows the party choosing the timezone to execute arbitrary code as the operating system user running the database, via a long POSIX timezone abbreviation. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.5, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24 are affected.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2026
This heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in PostgreSQL's to_char function when processing timestamptz data types with timezone information. The flaw occurs specifically when handling POSIX timezone abbreviations that exceed normal length limits, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory allocation and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database operating system user. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during timezone string processing within the timestamp formatting routine, creating a classic buffer overflow condition in heap-allocated memory structures.
The technical implementation involves the to_char function's handling of timezone data where it fails to properly validate the length of POSIX timezone abbreviations before copying them into fixed-size buffers. When an attacker provides a sufficiently long timezone abbreviation, the function attempts to allocate memory and copy data without proper boundary checks, resulting in heap corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the broader category of buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows writing beyond allocated memory boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables privilege escalation attacks where an unauthenticated remote attacker can potentially execute arbitrary code on the database server with the same privileges as the PostgreSQL service account. This creates a significant risk for database environments where the database user has elevated system permissions, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify database contents, or establish persistent access to the underlying system. The vulnerability affects multiple major PostgreSQL versions, including 18.5, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24, indicating a widespread exposure across the PostgreSQL ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched PostgreSQL releases, as this vulnerability is addressed through proper bounds checking implementations in the timezone handling code. Database administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit direct database access from untrusted networks, employ strict privilege separation between database users and system accounts, and monitor for unusual timezone-related queries in database logs. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, representing a critical attack surface that requires immediate remediation to prevent unauthorized code execution on database servers.