Symlink following in PostgreSQL pg_basebackup plain format and in pg_rewind allows an origin superuser to overwrite local files, e.g. /var/lib/postgres/.bashrc, that hijack the operating system account. It will remain the case that starting the server after these commands implicitly trusts the origin superuser, due to features like shared_preload_libraries. Hence, the attack has practical implications only if one takes relevant action between these commands and server start, like moving the files to a different VM or snapshotting the VM. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23 are affected.
Advisories
| Source | ID | Title |
|---|---|---|
Debian DSA |
DSA-6269-1 | postgresql-15 security update |
Debian DSA |
DSA-6270-1 | postgresql-17 security update |
Fixes
Solution
No solution given by the vendor.
Workaround
No workaround given by the vendor.
References
| Link | Providers |
|---|---|
| https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/CVE-2026-6475/ |
|
History
Thu, 14 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| First Time appeared |
Postgresql
Postgresql postgresql |
|
| Vendors & Products |
Postgresql
Postgresql postgresql |
Thu, 14 May 2026 13:30:00 +0000
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Symlink following in PostgreSQL pg_basebackup plain format and in pg_rewind allows an origin superuser to overwrite local files, e.g. /var/lib/postgres/.bashrc, that hijack the operating system account. It will remain the case that starting the server after these commands implicitly trusts the origin superuser, due to features like shared_preload_libraries. Hence, the attack has practical implications only if one takes relevant action between these commands and server start, like moving the files to a different VM or snapshotting the VM. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23 are affected. | |
| Title | PostgreSQL pg_basebackup and pg_rewind can overwrite unrelated files of origin superuser choice | |
| Weaknesses | CWE-61 | |
| References |
| |
| Metrics |
cvssV3_1
|
Projects
Sign in to view the affected projects.
Status: PUBLISHED
Assigner: PostgreSQL
Published:
Updated: 2026-05-14T13:00:11.039Z
Reserved: 2026-04-17T00:43:21.782Z
Link: CVE-2026-6475
No data.
Status : Received
Published: 2026-05-14T14:16:25.113
Modified: 2026-05-14T14:16:25.113
Link: CVE-2026-6475
No data.
OpenCVE Enrichment
Updated: 2026-05-14T14:45:22Z
Weaknesses
Debian DSA