Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in pgAdmin 4 by pgAdmin Development Team

CVE-2026-17566

What is CVE-2026-17566?

CVE-2026-17566 is a remote code execution vulnerability found in pgAdmin 4, an open-source database management tool for PostgreSQL. This vulnerability arises from the way pgAdmin handles SQL queries in its Import/Export Data tool. Specifically, it incorrectly processes user-supplied SQL queries by using a centralized parenthesis-balance checker that does not accurately account for backslashes within string literals. This flaw allows an attacker to escape the intended bounds of the SQL command, potentially executing arbitrary commands on the server through a crafted query. As pgAdmin 4 is commonly used in managing PostgreSQL databases, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations relying on it for database management and operations.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-17566

1. Remote Code Execution: The most critical impact of CVE-2026-17566 is the potential for remote code execution on the server where pgAdmin 4 is running. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to run arbitrary commands, leading to a full compromise of the server.

2. Data Loss or Corruption: Given that the vulnerability allows execution of attacker-defined commands, there is a risk of unauthorized data modification, deletion, or corruption. This can severely affect the integrity and availability of the data stored in PostgreSQL databases managed via pgAdmin 4.

3. Increased Attack Surface: The existence of this vulnerability in a widely used management tool increases the overall attack surface for organizations. Attackers may target vulnerable instances, potentially leveraging the compromised systems for further attacks, such as network infiltration or data exfiltration.

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