PostgreSQL: Externally Controlled Reference to a Resource in Another Sphere
CVE-2024-10979 is a high-severity externally controlled reference to a resource in another sphere vulnerability in PostgreSQL, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 17.1, 16.5, 15.9 as the first without the flaw, so updating PostgreSQL to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 4.39% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 8.54% of all scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update PostgreSQL to 17.1 or 16.5 or 15.9 or 14.14, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on postgresql.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | PostgreSQL | 17 up to, but not including, 17.1; 16 up to, but not including, 16.5; 15 up to, but not including, 15.9; 14 up to, but not including, 14.14; 13 up to, but not including, 13.17; before 12.21 | 17.1, 16.5, 15.9, 14.14, 13.17, 12.21 |
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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
Incorrect control of environment variables in PostgreSQL PL/Perl allows an unprivileged database user to change sensitive process environment variables (e.g. PATH). That often suffices to enable arbitrary code execution, even if the attacker lacks a database server operating system user. Versions before PostgreSQL 17.1, 16.5, 15.9, 14.14, 13.17, and 12.21 are affected.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Externally Controlled Reference to a Resource in Another Sphere
The product uses an externally controlled name or reference that resolves to a resource that is outside of the intended control sphere.
More Externally Controlled Reference to a Resource in Another Sphere vulnerabilities (CWE-610)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/fmora50591/postgresql-env-vuln/blob/main/README.mdExploit, Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
Third-party and government advisories
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20250110-0003/Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in PostgreSQL
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Externally Controlled Reference to a Resource in Another Sphere vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
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