CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-16239NVD status: Modified

PostgreSQL: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-16239 is a high-severity access of resource using incompatible type 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 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 0.68% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 53% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update PostgreSQL to 18.6 or 17.11 or 16.15 or 15.19, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on postgresql.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
PostgreSQLPostgreSQL18 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 14.2418.6, 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
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 CNA.

Official description

Type confusion in PostgreSQL "portal"/cursor lifecycle allows a user to execute arbitrary code as the operating system user running the database, via re-creation of a cursor or other portal with different types. 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: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type

The product allocates or initializes a resource such as a pointer, object, or variable using one type, but it later accesses that resource using a type that is incompatible with the original type.

More Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities (CWE-843)

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

Other vulnerabilities in PostgreSQL

All PostgreSQL vulnerabilities

Recent Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities

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