CVE-2026-16240

PostgreSQL pg_basebackup can use backup manifest content as a format string

Published Nov 12, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 3.7 Low EPSS n/a KEV · Not listed
Description
Use of externally-controlled format string in PostgreSQL pg_basebackup allows an attacker having already compromised a server to achieve disclosure from pg_basebackup memory, via backup manifest bytes. The vulnerability does not return the improperly-read bytes back to the attacker's server, so a successful attack would need separate implementation-specific secrets for that. Integrity impact is unlikely; in particular, the applicable formatter does not support %n. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.7, 17.12, 16.16, 15.20, and 14.25 are affected.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Postgresql
Postgresql postgresql
Vendors & Products Postgresql
Postgresql postgresql
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Use of externally-controlled format string in PostgreSQL pg_basebackup allows an attacker having already compromised a server to achieve disclosure from pg_basebackup memory, via backup manifest bytes. The vulnerability does not return the improperly-read bytes back to the attacker's server, so a successful attack would need separate implementation-specific secrets for that. Integrity impact is unlikely; in particular, the applicable formatter does not support %n. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.7, 17.12, 16.16, 15.20, and 14.25 are affected.
Title PostgreSQL pg_basebackup can use backup manifest content as a format string
Weaknesses CWE-134
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 3.7, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
PostgreSQL
Published
Updated
Nov 12, 2026, 9:41 PM
Reserved
Jul 20, 2026, 1:55 AM
Status
Awaiting Analysis
Published
Nov 12, 2026, 3:17 PM
Modified
Nov 12, 2026, 10:19 PM
Severity
Low
Public date
Nov 12, 2026, 2:15 PM