CVE-2026-2005
Heap Buffer Overflow in PostgreSQL pgcrypto Enables Code Execution
Publication date: 2026-02-12
Last updated on: 2026-02-20
Assigner: PostgreSQL
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| postgresql | postgresql | From 18.0 (inc) to 18.2 (exc) |
| postgresql | postgresql | From 14.0 (inc) to 14.21 (exc) |
| postgresql | postgresql | From 15.0 (inc) to 15.16 (exc) |
| postgresql | postgresql | From 16.0 (inc) to 16.12 (exc) |
| postgresql | postgresql | From 17.0 (inc) to 17.8 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-122 | A heap overflow condition is a buffer overflow, where the buffer that can be overwritten is allocated in the heap portion of memory, generally meaning that the buffer was allocated using a routine such as malloc(). |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code on the system with the same privileges as the operating system user running the PostgreSQL database.
This can lead to a full compromise of the database server, including unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of data.
The vulnerability has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate the CVE-2026-2005 vulnerability, users should upgrade PostgreSQL to the fixed versions released on February 12, 2026.
- Upgrade to PostgreSQL version 18.2 or later.
- Upgrade to PostgreSQL version 17.8 or later.
- Upgrade to PostgreSQL version 16.12 or later.
- Upgrade to PostgreSQL version 15.16 or later.
- Upgrade to PostgreSQL version 14.21 or later.
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2026-2005 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the PostgreSQL pgcrypto module.
This flaw allows a ciphertext provider to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the operating system user running the database.
It affects PostgreSQL versions prior to 18.2, 17.8, 16.12, 15.16, and 14.21.