PostgreSQL Logical Decoding Vulnerability Affecting Multiple Versions
CVE-2026-6471

7.2HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

PostgreSQL
Status
Postgresql
Vendor
CVE Published:
13 August 2026

Badges

📈 Score: 758👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2026-6471?

CVE-2026-6471 is a significant vulnerability affecting various versions of the PostgreSQL database management system. PostgreSQL is widely used for its advanced features and robustness, serving as a foundation for numerous applications that require reliable relational database functionalities. This vulnerability arises from a lack of proper authorization checks in PostgreSQL's logical decoding feature, which allows a non-superuser with REPLICATION privileges to execute code on the server. Specifically, an attacker can choose a logical decoding plugin that utilizes the dlopen function to load and run arbitrary code from any file visible to the operating system user running the PostgreSQL server. This could lead to severe consequences for organizations, as it effectively allows unauthorized access and control over critical data and operations.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-6471

  1. Unauthorized Code Execution: The flaw permits a malicious actor to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the PostgreSQL server account, potentially compromising the entire database environment and affecting the integrity and confidentiality of data stored within.

  2. Data Breach Risk: Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, increasing the risk of data breaches. This is particularly concerning for organizations that handle sensitive personal information or financial data.

  3. Widespread System Compromise: Given the critical role PostgreSQL plays in numerous applications, successful exploitation can result in widespread system compromise across interconnected applications and services, enabling attackers to expand their foothold within an organization’s IT infrastructure.

Affected Version(s)

PostgreSQL 18 < 18.6

PostgreSQL 17 < 17.11

PostgreSQL 16 < 16.15

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2026-6471
Created by HORKimhab

News Articles

favicon imageThe Hacker News

PostgreSQL Fixes 12-Year-Old Logical Decoding Flaw Enabling Replication-Role Code Execution

PostgreSQL fixes CVE-2026-6471, which lets replication accounts load libraries and run code when logical WAL is enabled.

4 weeks ago

References

https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/CVE-2026-6471/

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.2
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
High
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 📰

    First article discovered by The Hacker News

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

The PostgreSQL project thanks Vladimir Tokarev and Yu Kunpeng for reporting this problem.
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