CVE-2025-61385 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability identified in the pg8000 Python library version 1.31.4. The vulnerability exists in the function pg8000.native.literal, which is responsible for converting Python objects into SQL literals. Specifically, the flaw arises when the function processes a specially crafted Python list input, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary SQL commands remotely. This injection can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the backend database. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring authentication (AV:N/PR:N), but it does require user interaction (UI:R), such as a user triggering the vulnerable code path. The scope is complete (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.6, indicating critical severity. Although no public exploits are currently known, the high severity and ease of exploitation make it a significant threat. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 (SQL Injection), a well-known and dangerous class of injection flaws. Since pg8000 is a pure Python PostgreSQL driver, organizations using Python applications with PostgreSQL databases that rely on this library are at risk. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation strategies.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a severe risk, especially those that use Python applications interfacing with PostgreSQL databases via the pg8000 library. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, data corruption, or complete loss of database availability. This can disrupt business operations, cause regulatory compliance violations (e.g., GDPR), and damage reputation. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often rely on robust database systems, are particularly vulnerable. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands remotely without authentication increases the attack surface and potential for widespread impact. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to trigger the exploit, increasing the risk in environments with less security awareness. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the critical severity demands urgent attention.

1. Immediately audit all Python applications using pg8000 to identify usage of the pg8000.native.literal function with list inputs. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization to prevent maliciously crafted lists from reaching the vulnerable function. 3. Restrict database user permissions to the minimum necessary, employing the principle of least privilege to limit potential damage from SQL injection. 4. Monitor application logs and database queries for unusual or unexpected SQL commands that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or database activity monitoring tools capable of detecting and blocking SQL injection patterns. 6. Stay alert for official patches or updates from the pg8000 maintainers and apply them promptly once available. 7. Educate users and developers about the risks of social engineering that could trigger user interaction-based exploits. 8. Consider temporary mitigation by isolating vulnerable services or disabling features that invoke the vulnerable function until a patch is released.