CVE-2024-10979: postgresql — Exploit & Fix

Description

Incorrect control of environment variables in PostgreSQL PL/Perl allows an unprivileged database user to change sensitive process environment variables (e.g. PATH). That often suffices to enable arbitrary code execution, even if the attacker lacks a database server operating system user. Versions before PostgreSQL 17.1, 16.5, 15.9, 14.14, 13.17, and 12.21 are affected.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

8.8

HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-15 CWE-15

CWE-610 CWE-610

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
postgresql	postgresql	12.0 — 12.21
postgresql	postgresql	13.0 — 13.17
postgresql	postgresql	14.0 — 14.14
postgresql	postgresql	15.0 — 15.9
postgresql	postgresql	16.0 — 16.5
postgresql	postgresql	17.0 — 17.1

References

Advisories & Patches

https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/CVE-2024-10979/

Exploits

https://github.com/fmora50591/postgresql-env-vuln/blob/main/README.md

Other References

https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2024/11/msg00011.html https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20250110-0003/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2024-10979? +

Incorrect control of environment variables in PostgreSQL PL/Perl allows an unprivileged database user to change sensitive process environment variables (e.g. PATH). That often suffices to enable arbitrary code execution, even if the attacker lacks a database server operating system user. Versions before PostgreSQL 17.1, 16.5, 15.9, 14.14, 13.17, and 12.21 are affected. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (HIGH).

How severe is CVE-2024-10979? +

CVE-2024-10979 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 out of 10, rated HIGH. This is a high-severity vulnerability that should be prioritized for patching.

What products are affected by CVE-2024-10979? +

CVE-2024-10979 affects products from postgresql, specifically: postgresql. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2024-10979? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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