CVE-2023-41117 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting multiple versions of EnterpriseDB Postgres Advanced Server (EPAS) prior to 11.21.32, 12.16.20, 13.12.16, 14.9.0, and 15.4.0. The vulnerability arises from the presence of packages, standalone packages, and functions that execute with SECURITY DEFINER privileges but are improperly secured against search_path manipulation attacks. In PostgreSQL and its derivatives like EPAS, SECURITY DEFINER functions run with the privileges of the function owner rather than the caller, which can elevate privileges if exploited. The search_path is a PostgreSQL setting that determines the order in which schemas are searched when an object is referenced without a schema qualification. If an attacker can influence the search_path, they can redirect function calls to malicious objects they control, leading to privilege escalation. This vulnerability corresponds to CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element), indicating that the software does not properly restrict or validate the search_path environment, allowing attackers to inject malicious code or objects. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 (high) reflects that the vulnerability is remotely exploitable without user interaction, requires low privileges (PR:L), and can lead to high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for privilege escalation and unauthorized access is significant. The vulnerability affects multiple major EPAS versions, which are widely used in enterprise environments for critical database workloads.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially for those relying on EnterpriseDB Postgres Advanced Server for their database infrastructure. Exploitation could allow attackers with limited database privileges to escalate their rights, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying or deleting critical information, or disrupting database availability. This could lead to data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, causing regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often use EPAS for its advanced features and Oracle compatibility, could face operational disruptions and compliance violations. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited remotely without user interaction increases the attack surface, making it a significant threat in multi-tenant or cloud-hosted database environments common in Europe. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high CVSS score indicates urgency in addressing the issue.

European organizations should immediately assess their EPAS deployments to identify affected versions. Specific mitigation steps include: 1) Applying the latest EPAS patches or upgrades to versions 11.21.32, 12.16.20, 13.12.16, 14.9.0, or 15.4.0 or later, as these contain fixes for the vulnerability. 2) Reviewing and restricting the use of SECURITY DEFINER functions and packages, ensuring they do not rely on untrusted or modifiable search_path settings. 3) Explicitly setting the search_path within SECURITY DEFINER functions to a fixed, secure schema list, avoiding reliance on user-controllable defaults. 4) Auditing database roles and privileges to minimize the number of users with low-level access that could exploit this vulnerability. 5) Monitoring database logs for unusual schema search_path changes or unexpected function executions. 6) Implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks. 7) Conducting penetration testing focused on search_path manipulation to validate mitigations. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on secure configuration of PostgreSQL-specific features and privilege management tailored to EPAS environments.