Privilege escalation in PostgreSQL
CVE-2024-10978
Incorrect privilege assignment in PostgreSQL allows a less-privileged application user to view or change different rows from those intended. An attack requires the application to use SET ROLE, SET SESSION AUTHORIZATION, or an equivalent feature. The problem arises when an application query uses parameters from the attacker or conveys query results to the attacker. If that query reacts to current_setting('role') or the current user ID, it may modify or return data as though the session had not used SET ROLE or SET SESSION AUTHORIZATION. The attacker does not control which incorrect user ID applies. Query text from less-privileged sources is not a concern here, because SET ROLE and SET SESSION AUTHORIZATION are not sandboxes for unvetted queries. Versions before PostgreSQL 17.1, 16.5, 15.9, 14.14, 13.17, and 12.21 are affected.
EPSS: 0.007 (49.6th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 4.2 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N.
Affected products
- Postgresql — versions 17.0
- Debian Debian_linux — versions 11.0
- N/a Postgresql — versions 17, 16, 15
Weakness classification (CWE)
Public proof-of-concept exploits
References
- f86ef6dc-4d3a-42ad-8f28-e6d5547a5007 (Vendor Advisory)
- af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
- af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108 (Mailing List)
- af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108 (Mailing List)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2024-10978?
- CVE-2024-10978 is a medium-severity vulnerability in PostgreSQL, classified under Incorrect Privilege Assignment. CVSS score: 4.2/10. Published 2024-11-14.
- How severe is CVE-2024-10978?
- Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 4.2 out of 10.
- Is CVE-2024-10978 known to be exploited?
- 3 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.