CVE-2026-6474: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String in PostgreSQL
CVE-2026-6474 is a medium severity vulnerability in PostgreSQL affecting versions prior to 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23. It involves an externally-controlled format string in the timeofday() function that allows an attacker to retrieve portions of server memory by using crafted timezone zones. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.3 and does not require user interaction but does require low privileges. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability arises from an externally-controlled format string in PostgreSQL's timeofday() function. An attacker can exploit this by crafting timezone zones to cause the function to leak portions of server memory. The issue affects PostgreSQL versions before 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting a network attack vector with low complexity and low privileges required, resulting in limited confidentiality impact without integrity or availability impact. No vendor advisory or patch information is provided in the input data.
Potential Impact
An attacker with low privileges can remotely exploit this vulnerability to retrieve portions of server memory, potentially exposing sensitive information. There is no impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the official PostgreSQL vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a patch is confirmed, consider restricting access to the timeofday() function or controlling timezone zone inputs if possible.
CVE-2026-6474: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String in PostgreSQL
Description
CVE-2026-6474 is a medium severity vulnerability in PostgreSQL affecting versions prior to 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23. It involves an externally-controlled format string in the timeofday() function that allows an attacker to retrieve portions of server memory by using crafted timezone zones. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.3 and does not require user interaction but does require low privileges. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.3medium
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 arises from an externally-controlled format string in PostgreSQL's timeofday() function. An attacker can exploit this by crafting timezone zones to cause the function to leak portions of server memory. The issue affects PostgreSQL versions before 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting a network attack vector with low complexity and low privileges required, resulting in limited confidentiality impact without integrity or availability impact. No vendor advisory or patch information is provided in the input data.
Potential Impact
An attacker with low privileges can remotely exploit this vulnerability to retrieve portions of server memory, potentially exposing sensitive information. There is no impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the official PostgreSQL vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a patch is confirmed, consider restricting access to the timeofday() function or controlling timezone zone inputs if possible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- PostgreSQL
- Date Reserved
- 2026-04-17T00:36:25.451Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a05cfe8ec166c07b0e1393e
Added to database: 05/14/2026, 13:36:40 UTC
Last enriched: 05/21/2026, 15:47:57 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:23:00 UTC
Views: 86
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