Important: PostgreSQL Security Update

postgresql Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

13/12/2023
N/A
Yes i
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Not published

ALSA-2023:7784: Important: postgresql security update. Affects postgresql versions < 13.13-1.el9_3. Fixed in 13.13-1.el9_3. How to fix ↓

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Background

PostgreSQL is an advanced object-relational database management system (DBMS). It is widely used for storing and managing structured data in various applications. PostgreSQL provides a rich set of features and is known for its reliability, scalability, and extensibility. However, it is susceptible to security vulnerabilities that can potentially compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data stored in the database.

Vulnerability Detail

The recent security update addresses multiple vulnerabilities in PostgreSQL:

  1. Buffer overrun from integer overflow in array modification (CVE-2023-5869): This vulnerability could allow an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

  2. Memory disclosure in aggregate function calls (CVE-2023-5868): This vulnerability could allow an attacker to read uninitialized memory, potentially exposing sensitive information.

  3. SQL injection via extension script quoting (CVE-2023-39417): This vulnerability could allow an attacker to inject malicious SQL code by exploiting improper quoting in extension scripts.

  4. Privilege escalation via pg_signal_backend role (CVE-2023-5870): This vulnerability could allow an attacker with the pg_signal_backend role to signal certain superuser processes, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

These vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to the security of PostgreSQL installations and should be addressed promptly.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

13.13-1.el9_3

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo dnf update postgresql

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Conclusion

The recent security update for PostgreSQL addresses multiple vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise the security of PostgreSQL installations. It is crucial to update to the latest version to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the data stored in the database. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for postgresql →

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FAQ

PostgreSQL is an advanced object-relational database management system (DBMS) known for its reliability, scalability, and extensibility. It is widely used in various applications to store and manage structured data.

The security update addresses four vulnerabilities in PostgreSQL:

  1. Buffer overrun from integer overflow in array modification (CVE-2023-5869)
  2. Memory disclosure in aggregate function calls (CVE-2023-5868)
  3. SQL injection via extension script quoting (CVE-2023-39417)
  4. Privilege escalation via pg_signal_backend role (CVE-2023-5870)

These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, read uninitialized memory, inject malicious SQL code, and escalate privileges. Exploiting these vulnerabilities could lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, and potential compromise of the PostgreSQL installation.

You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your PostgreSQL installation is affected by these vulnerabilities. Simply upload your manifest file (e.g., package-lock.json) and Vulert will analyze it for any known vulnerabilities.

At the moment, there are no known workarounds for these vulnerabilities. It is recommended to update PostgreSQL to the latest version as soon as possible.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for postgresql.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

13.13-1.el9_3

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo dnf update postgresql

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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