CVE-2025-12762 is a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting pgAdmin 4 versions up to 9.9 when operated in server mode. The vulnerability occurs during the restoration process of PLAIN-format PostgreSQL dump files. Specifically, the issue arises because pgAdmin improperly handles the restore operation, allowing an attacker with limited privileges to inject arbitrary commands that the server executes. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-94, indicating improper control over code generation or execution. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L) and only limited privileges (PR:L), with no user interaction (UI:N) needed. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially compromised component. The impact on confidentiality is high (C:H), while integrity and availability impacts are low (I:L, A:L). Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the potential for severe damage is significant due to the ability to execute arbitrary code on the server hosting the database management interface. This could lead to unauthorized data access, data corruption, or further compromise of the underlying system. The vulnerability was published on November 13, 2025, and no official patches have been linked yet, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation strategies. The vulnerability affects organizations using pgAdmin 4 in server mode, which is common in enterprise environments managing PostgreSQL databases remotely.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk to the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data managed via PostgreSQL databases. Since pgAdmin 4 is widely used for database administration, exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution on database servers, potentially resulting in data breaches, data manipulation, or disruption of database services. The ability to execute arbitrary commands could also allow attackers to pivot within internal networks, escalate privileges, or deploy ransomware. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and reliance on PostgreSQL. The impact extends beyond data loss to potential regulatory and compliance violations under GDPR, leading to legal and financial repercussions. The low availability impact suggests limited service disruption, but the integrity and confidentiality risks are severe enough to warrant urgent attention.

1. Immediately restrict access to pgAdmin 4 server mode interfaces to trusted internal networks and authenticated users only. 2. Monitor and audit all restore operations, especially those involving PLAIN-format dump files, for unusual or unauthorized activity. 3. Validate and sanitize all dump files before performing restores to ensure they do not contain malicious payloads. 4. Implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure of pgAdmin servers to the internet or untrusted networks. 5. Apply principle of least privilege to all users interacting with pgAdmin, minimizing privileges required for restore operations. 6. Stay alert for official patches or updates from pgadmin.org and apply them promptly once released. 7. Consider using alternative backup formats or tools that do not exhibit this vulnerability until a patch is available. 8. Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect suspicious command execution patterns on database servers. 9. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on database management interfaces. 10. Educate database administrators about the risks associated with restoring PLAIN-format dumps and safe operational practices.