CVE-2026-6475

PostgreSQL pg_basebackup and pg_rewind can overwrite unrelated files of origin superuser choice

Published May 14, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 8.8 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
Symlink following in PostgreSQL pg_basebackup plain format and in pg_rewind allows an origin superuser to overwrite local files, e.g. /var/lib/postgres/.bashrc, that hijack the operating system account. It will remain the case that starting the server after these commands implicitly trusts the origin superuser, due to features like shared_preload_libraries. Hence, the attack has practical implications only if one takes relevant action between these commands and server start, like moving the files to a different VM or snapshotting the VM. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23 are affected.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4646-1 postgresql-13 security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6269-1 postgresql-15 security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6270-1 postgresql-17 security update
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-8294-1 PostgreSQL vulnerabilities
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:postgresql:postgresql:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Postgresql
Postgresql postgresql
Vendors & Products Postgresql
Postgresql postgresql
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Symlink following in PostgreSQL pg_basebackup plain format and in pg_rewind allows an origin superuser to overwrite local files, e.g. /var/lib/postgres/.bashrc, that hijack the operating system account. It will remain the case that starting the server after these commands implicitly trusts the origin superuser, due to features like shared_preload_libraries. Hence, the attack has practical implications only if one takes relevant action between these commands and server start, like moving the files to a different VM or snapshotting the VM. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23 are affected.
Title PostgreSQL pg_basebackup and pg_rewind can overwrite unrelated files of origin superuser choice
Weaknesses CWE-61
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 8.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
PostgreSQL
Published
Updated
May 15, 2026, 3:56 AM
Reserved
Apr 17, 2026, 12:43 AM
Status
Analyzed
Published
May 14, 2026, 2:16 PM
Modified
Nov 11, 2026, 8:10 PM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
May 14, 2026, 1:00 PM