PostgreSQL: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2026-14679 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in PostgreSQL, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 18.6, 17.11, 16.15 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 0.29% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update PostgreSQL to 18.6 or 17.11 or 16.15 or 15.19, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on postgresql.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | PostgreSQL | 18 up to, but not including, 18.6; 17 up to, but not including, 17.11; 16 up to, but not including, 16.15; 15 up to, but not including, 15.19; before 14.24 | 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, 14.24 |
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H. Scored by CNA.
Official description
Stack buffer overflow in PostgreSQL argument name matching allows an object creator to achieve unknown impacts via OUT parameter count. The attack can write only 0x0 and 0x1 bytes. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24 are affected.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
The product writes past the end of a buffer that was allocated on the stack.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use automatic buffer overflow detection mechanisms that are offered by certain compilers or compiler extensions. Examples include: the Microsoft Visual Studio /GS flag, Fedora/Red Hat FORTIFY_SOURCE GCC flag, StackGuard, and ProPolice, which provide various mechanisms including canary-based detection and range/index checking. D3-SFCV (Stack Frame Canary Validation) from D3FEND discusses canary-based detection in detail.
- Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. Not a complete solution.
- Implement and perform bounds checking on input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
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 Stack-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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