CVE-2025-46185 identifies an insecure permission vulnerability in pgcodekeeper version 10.12.0, a tool used for managing PostgreSQL database code. The vulnerability arises because pgcodekeeper stores usernames and passwords in plaintext, accessible to any local user with sufficient file system permissions. This insecure storage allows a local attacker who has access to the system to obtain sensitive authentication credentials without needing elevated privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability does not require network access or remote exploitation, limiting its attack vector to local users or attackers who have already compromised a low-privilege account on the host. The lack of encryption or proper access control on credential storage files violates best security practices and exposes organizations to risks such as credential theft, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within internal networks. No patches or fixes have been linked yet, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in October 2025, indicating recent discovery. The absence of a CVSS score necessitates an independent severity assessment based on the impact on confidentiality and ease of exploitation. Since the vulnerability compromises sensitive credential confidentiality and requires only local access, it represents a significant risk in environments where local user access is not tightly controlled.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-46185 is the compromise of confidentiality due to exposure of plaintext usernames and passwords stored by pgcodekeeper. For European organizations, this can lead to unauthorized access to PostgreSQL databases if attackers leverage the stolen credentials. Such unauthorized access can result in data breaches, data manipulation, or disruption of database services. Additionally, attackers gaining credentials may escalate privileges or move laterally within the network, increasing the scope of compromise. Organizations with shared or multi-user systems are particularly vulnerable if local user access controls are weak. The vulnerability does not directly affect availability or integrity but indirectly threatens these through potential misuse of stolen credentials. The lack of remote exploitation reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with multiple users or insufficient endpoint security. European sectors relying heavily on PostgreSQL for critical applications, such as finance, healthcare, and government, may face increased risk of sensitive data exposure and compliance violations under GDPR if credential theft leads to data breaches.

To mitigate CVE-2025-46185, organizations should immediately audit and restrict file system permissions on pgcodekeeper credential storage locations to ensure only authorized users have access. Encrypting stored credentials using strong cryptographic methods is essential to prevent plaintext exposure. If encryption is not currently supported by pgcodekeeper, organizations should consider using external secret management solutions or environment variables to handle sensitive data securely. Limiting local user access to trusted personnel and enforcing strict endpoint security policies can reduce the risk of local exploitation. Regularly monitoring and logging local access attempts to sensitive files can help detect potential misuse. Organizations should track updates from pgcodekeeper developers for patches or security advisories addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication for database access can mitigate the impact of credential exposure. Finally, conducting security awareness training for administrators and users about the risks of local credential exposure can improve overall security posture.