CVE-2025-13780 identifies a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in pgAdmin 4, a widely used open-source administration and management tool for PostgreSQL databases. The vulnerability affects all versions up to 9.10 when pgAdmin is operated in server mode. The root cause lies in the handling of PLAIN-format dump files during database restore operations. An attacker with limited privileges who can initiate a restore can craft a malicious dump file that injects arbitrary commands executed on the underlying server hosting pgAdmin. This leads to unauthorized command execution, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate database contents, escalate privileges, or compromise the entire server environment. The CVSS 3.1 score of 9.1 reflects the vulnerability's high severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and scope change (S:C). The impact on confidentiality is high, with partial integrity and availability impacts. No known exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability’s nature and ease of exploitation make it a critical threat. The vulnerability was published on December 11, 2025, shortly after being reserved on November 28, 2025. No official patches or mitigations are linked yet, emphasizing the need for immediate defensive measures.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the security of PostgreSQL database environments managed via pgAdmin 4 in server mode. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, data corruption, or complete system compromise. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where data integrity and availability are paramount. The ability to execute arbitrary commands on the server could facilitate lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, or deployment of ransomware. Given the widespread use of PostgreSQL and pgAdmin in Europe, organizations that have not updated or isolated their pgAdmin instances are vulnerable. The requirement for some privileges to exploit the vulnerability means insider threats or compromised accounts could be leveraged. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the critical severity demands urgent attention.

European organizations should immediately audit their use of pgAdmin 4, especially instances running in server mode. Until official patches are released, restrict restore operations strictly to highly trusted administrators and consider disabling restore functionality if feasible. Implement network segmentation and isolate pgAdmin servers from general user access to reduce exposure. Employ strict access controls and multi-factor authentication to limit privilege escalation risks. Monitor logs for unusual restore activities or command executions indicative of exploitation attempts. Use application-layer firewalls or intrusion detection systems to detect and block suspicious payloads in dump files. Regularly back up databases and test recovery procedures to minimize impact in case of compromise. Stay updated with pgAdmin.org announcements for patches and apply them promptly upon release. Consider deploying virtualized or containerized environments for pgAdmin to contain potential breaches.