CVE-2026-16239: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type ('Type Confusion') in PostgreSQL
CVE-2026-16239 is a high-severity type confusion vulnerability in PostgreSQL affecting multiple versions prior to 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24. It involves improper handling of the portal or cursor lifecycle, allowing a user with certain privileges to execute arbitrary code as the operating system user running the database.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability arises from type confusion in PostgreSQL's portal or cursor lifecycle, where re-creating a cursor or portal with different types can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw allows an attacker with database privileges to escalate to OS-level code execution. Affected versions include all releases before PostgreSQL 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation enables an attacker with database access privileges to execute arbitrary code with the operating system privileges of the PostgreSQL server process. This can lead to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of database services.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrading PostgreSQL to version 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, or 14.24 or later addresses this vulnerability. Users should apply these official fixes promptly. No information about alternative mitigations or temporary workarounds is provided.
CVE-2026-16239: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type ('Type Confusion') in PostgreSQL
Description
CVE-2026-16239 is a high-severity type confusion vulnerability in PostgreSQL affecting multiple versions prior to 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24. It involves improper handling of the portal or cursor lifecycle, allowing a user with certain privileges to execute arbitrary code as the operating system user running the database.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
Affected software
PostgreSQL
pkg:deb/postgresql/postgresqlRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability arises from type confusion in PostgreSQL's portal or cursor lifecycle, where re-creating a cursor or portal with different types can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw allows an attacker with database privileges to escalate to OS-level code execution. Affected versions include all releases before PostgreSQL 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation enables an attacker with database access privileges to execute arbitrary code with the operating system privileges of the PostgreSQL server process. This can lead to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of database services.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrading PostgreSQL to version 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, or 14.24 or later addresses this vulnerability. Users should apply these official fixes promptly. No information about alternative mitigations or temporary workarounds is provided.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- PostgreSQL
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-20T01:55:33.311Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7dc619bf8831d5393e53fa
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 13:26:49 UTC
Last enriched: 09/12/2026, 04:32:15 UTC
Last updated: 09/28/2026, 13:47:42 UTC
Views: 53
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