PostgreSQL Vulnerability Allows Hackers To Execute Arbitrary SQL Functions

A critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7348 has been discovered in PostgreSQL, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary SQL functions.

This vulnerability in the pg_dump utility poses a significant security risk, especially when executed by superusers.

CVE-2024-7348 – Vulnerability Details

The flaw is a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition in the pg_dump process. An attacker can exploit this by replacing another relation type with a view or foreign table, allowing them to execute arbitrary SQL functions.

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The attack requires precise timing to coincide with the start of pg_dump, but the race condition is easily won if the attacker maintains an open transaction.

Affected Versions

The vulnerability affects PostgreSQL versions before 16.4, 15.8, 14.13, 13.16, and 12.20. The PostgreSQL project has released patches for these versions as of August 8, 2024. Users are strongly advised to update their systems to these fixed versions to mitigate the risk.

Version Information

Affected Version	Fixed In	Fix Published
16	16.4	Aug. 8, 2024
15	15.8	Aug. 8, 2024
14	14.13	Aug. 8, 2024
13	13.16	Aug. 8, 2024
12	12.20	Aug. 8, 2024

Security Assessment

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS 3.0 overall score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level.

The core server component is affected, with the vector described as AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, highlighting the potential for significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.

The PostgreSQL project acknowledges Noah Misch for reporting this issue. Users who discover new security vulnerabilities are encouraged to contact the PostgreSQL security team. For non-security-related bugs, users should refer to the Report a Bug page.

This vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates and vigilant security practices to protect sensitive data and maintain system integrity.

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