CVE-2026-16241: Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) in PostgreSQL
Integer underflow in PostgreSQL ECPG allows a database server administrator to achieve temporary denial of service against the ECPG client via sending a bytea value lacking the mandatory prefix. The client overwrites a huge memory region with bytes outside attacker knowledge or control. This typically yields a simple SIGSEGV, but rare cases might achieve client-specific integrity impact via the write. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.5, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24 are affected.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability involves an integer underflow in the PostgreSQL Embedded C Preprocessor (ECPG) client. When the server sends a bytea value without the required prefix, the client miscalculates memory boundaries and overwrites a large memory area with uncontrolled data. This usually results in a crash (SIGSEGV), causing a temporary denial of service. There is a low likelihood of client-specific integrity impact due to this memory corruption. The issue affects multiple major PostgreSQL versions prior to their respective patch releases: versions before 14.24, 15.19, 16.15, 17.11, and 18.5.
Potential Impact
An attacker with database server administrator privileges can cause the ECPG client to crash, resulting in a temporary denial of service. Although the primary impact is availability loss, rare cases might allow limited integrity compromise on the client side due to memory corruption. There is no confidentiality impact reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until official patches are confirmed, avoid sending malformed bytea values lacking the mandatory prefix to ECPG clients. Monitor vendor communications for updates and apply official fixes once available.
CVE-2026-16241: Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) in PostgreSQL
Description
Integer underflow in PostgreSQL ECPG allows a database server administrator to achieve temporary denial of service against the ECPG client via sending a bytea value lacking the mandatory prefix. The client overwrites a huge memory region with bytes outside attacker knowledge or control. This typically yields a simple SIGSEGV, but rare cases might achieve client-specific integrity impact via the write. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.5, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, and 14.24 are affected.
CVSS v3.1
Score 3.8low
Affected software
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 involves an integer underflow in the PostgreSQL Embedded C Preprocessor (ECPG) client. When the server sends a bytea value without the required prefix, the client miscalculates memory boundaries and overwrites a large memory area with uncontrolled data. This usually results in a crash (SIGSEGV), causing a temporary denial of service. There is a low likelihood of client-specific integrity impact due to this memory corruption. The issue affects multiple major PostgreSQL versions prior to their respective patch releases: versions before 14.24, 15.19, 16.15, 17.11, and 18.5.
Potential Impact
An attacker with database server administrator privileges can cause the ECPG client to crash, resulting in a temporary denial of service. Although the primary impact is availability loss, rare cases might allow limited integrity compromise on the client side due to memory corruption. There is no confidentiality impact reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until official patches are confirmed, avoid sending malformed bytea values lacking the mandatory prefix to ECPG clients. Monitor vendor communications for updates and apply official fixes once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- PostgreSQL
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-20T01:55:34.563Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a7dc619bf8831d5393e53fd
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 13:26:49 UTC
Last enriched: 08/13/2026, 13:43:48 UTC
Last updated: 08/13/2026, 21:41:00 UTC
Views: 6
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