CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-2625NVD status: Modified

postgresql: Improperly Controlled Modification of Object Prototype Attributes

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-2625 is a high-severity improperly controlled modification of object prototype attributes vulnerability in postgresql, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.15% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 82% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of postgresql you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on postgresql.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
PostgreSQLpostgresqlNot specified in the recordNot stated
Fedora ProjectFedora36Not stated
Red HatEnterprise Linux6.0; 7.0; 8.0; 9.0Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Official description

A vulnerability was found in PostgreSQL. This attack requires permission to create non-temporary objects in at least one schema, the ability to lure or wait for an administrator to create or update an affected extension in that schema, and the ability to lure or wait for a victim to use the object targeted in CREATE OR REPLACE or CREATE IF NOT EXISTS. Given all three prerequisites, this flaw allows an attacker to run arbitrary code as the victim role, which may be a superuser.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improperly Controlled Modification of Object Prototype Attributes

The product receives input from an upstream component that specifies attributes that are to be initialized or updated in an object, but it does not properly control modifications of attributes of the object prototype.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • By freezing the object prototype first (for example, Object.freeze(Object.prototype)), modification of the prototype becomes impossible.
  • By blocking modifications of attributes that resolve to object prototype, such as proto or prototype, this weakness can be mitigated.
  • When handling untrusted objects, validating using a schema can be used.

More Improperly Controlled Modification of Object Prototype Attributes vulnerabilities (CWE-1321)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in postgresql

All postgresql vulnerabilities

Recent Improperly Controlled Modification of Object Prototype Attributes vulnerabilities

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