CVE-2026-15741 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2026
SQL injection in PostgreSQL EXTRACT() deparse allows an object owner to execute arbitrary SQL as a superuser via a hostile object definition. Attacks affect expression deparse consumers broadly, including pg_dump, psql commands like \sf, and any similar usage in non-core tools. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.5, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24 are affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within postgresqls extract function deparse mechanism that allows object owners to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary sql code with superuser privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of object definitions during the deparse process, where maliciously crafted object definitions can be manipulated to inject sql commands that are then executed with elevated privileges. This affects the core database functionality and demonstrates a significant privilege escalation vector that bypasses normal access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within postgresqls internal object definition handling system where the extract function fails to properly sanitize input parameters during deparse operations. When objects containing maliciously crafted definitions are processed, the system's inability to distinguish between legitimate and malicious sql fragments allows attackers with object ownership privileges to inject commands that execute with superuser permissions. This flaw exists in the expression deparse consumers across multiple postgresql versions, making it particularly dangerous as it affects standard database administration tools and utilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it undermines fundamental database security principles by allowing privilege escalation through legitimate database object management functions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary sql commands including data manipulation, privilege granting, and potentially system-level operations that should only be accessible to superusers. The affected tools include pg_dump which can be exploited to extract malicious definitions during backup operations, and psql commands like sf which display function source code, creating multiple attack vectors for exploitation.
This vulnerability aligns with cwe-89 sql injection classification under the broader category of privilege escalation flaws and represents a significant concern for organizations using postgresql databases. The attack surface extends beyond traditional database applications to include any tool or process that relies on expression deparse functionality, including custom database utilities and third-party tools that integrate with postgresql. The vulnerability affects specific postgresql versions before 185 1711 1615 1519 and 1424, making it crucial for administrators to assess their current deployments against these version thresholds.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to the patched postgresql versions as soon as possible, implementing strict access controls for object ownership privileges, and monitoring database activities for suspicious object creation or modification patterns. Additional protective measures include restricting the ability to create or modify objects in critical database schemas and implementing comprehensive audit logging of all object definition changes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in database system internals, particularly in functions that handle complex object definitions and expression parsing operations.
The impact extends to compliance requirements as this vulnerability could potentially violate data protection regulations by allowing unauthorized access to sensitive database information through privilege escalation. Database administrators should also consider implementing network-level restrictions on postgresql connections and monitoring for unusual sql command patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates how internal database functions can serve as attack vectors when proper security measures are not implemented in the systems core processing logic, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of database engine internals.
References to the attack technique catalog show this aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation through database object manipulation and command injection in database management systems. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include both network security controls and application-level input validation. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all postgresql installations.
The remediation approach requires careful planning to avoid service disruption during upgrade operations, particularly in production environments where database downtime must be minimized. Security teams should conduct thorough testing of upgraded systems to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing database applications or custom sql functions. Additionally, organizations should perform vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred before patch deployment and establish monitoring procedures to detect similar vulnerabilities in other database system components.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the complex security challenges inherent in modern database systems where seemingly benign functionality can provide attack vectors for privilege escalation. The postgresql development team's response demonstrates the ongoing need for comprehensive security review processes in database management systems, particularly focusing on internal processing functions that handle object definitions and expression parsing operations. Organizations should maintain vigilance against similar vulnerabilities in other database components and consider implementing additional security controls such as application firewalls or database activity monitoring systems to detect anomalous sql execution patterns.