CVE-2026-6475 Details
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.
A symlink following vulnerability has been identified in PostgreSQL's pg_basebackup plain format and in pg_rewind. This vulnerability allows an origin superuser to overwrite local files, such as /var/lib/postgres/.bashrc, potentially hijacking the operating system account. The issue arises in versions prior to PostgreSQL 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23. The vulnerability's impact is practical only if relevant actions are taken between executing these commands and starting the server, such as transferring the overwritten files to a different virtual machine or snapshotting the VM.
Users can upgrade to PostgreSQL versions 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, or 14.23 to address this vulnerability.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
No CVSS 4.0 data is available for this CVE.
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
CISA-ADP
Assessed May 14, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/CVE-2026-6475/ | PostgreSQL | PatchVendor Advisory |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-61 | UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following | PostgreSQL |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| postgresql postgresql | < 14.23 >= 15.0, < 15.18 >= 16.0, < 16.14 >= 17.0, < 17.10 >= 18.0, < 18.4 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
4 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | PostgreSQL |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| May 18, 2026 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| May 14, 2026 | New CVE Received | PostgreSQL |