Critical Authorization Flaw in PostgreSQL - CVE-2017-7548

postgresql Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

16/08/2017
N/A
Yes i
High
7.5

ALPINE-CVE-2017-7548: PostgreSQL versions before 9.4.13, 9.5.8 and 9.6.4 are vulnerable to authorization flaw allowing remote authenticated attackers with no privileges on a large object to overwrite the entire contents of the object, resulti... Affects postgresql versions < 9.6.4-r0. Fixed in 9.6.4-r0. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Devnack Your last release was probably never penetration tested Manual testing by engineers who build software, not an auditor's checklist. Trusted by teams at Swift and Google Talk to Devnack

Background

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source object-relational database system that uses and extends the SQL language. It is known for its reliability, feature robustness, and performance. However, certain versions of PostgreSQL are vulnerable to an authorization flaw that allows remote authenticated attackers to overwrite large objects, leading to potential denial of service.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2017-7548, affects PostgreSQL versions prior to 9.4.13, 9.5.8, and 9.6.4. It arises from improper authorization checks that permit authenticated users without privileges on a large object to overwrite its entire contents. This flaw can lead to significant service disruptions and data integrity issues, as attackers can manipulate critical database objects.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

9.6.4-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade postgresql

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

Workaround

As a temporary workaround, restrict access to the PostgreSQL database to trusted users only. Implementing strict user permissions can help mitigate the risk until the package is updated.

Conclusion

CVE-2017-7548 is a critical vulnerability affecting multiple versions of PostgreSQL, allowing unauthorized access to large objects. It is crucial for users to update their PostgreSQL installations to the latest patched versions to mitigate this risk. Implementing strict user permissions can serve as a temporary workaround.

See every vulnerability recorded for postgresql →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

CVE-2017-7548 is a vulnerability in PostgreSQL that allows remote authenticated attackers to overwrite large objects due to improper authorization checks.

PostgreSQL versions before 9.4.13, 9.5.8, and 9.6.4 are vulnerable to this issue.

The vulnerability can lead to denial of service, data corruption, and unauthorized data manipulation.

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.

The CVSS score for CVE-2017-7548 is 7.5, indicating a high severity level.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for postgresql.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

9.6.4-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade postgresql

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

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback