PostgreSQL Vulnerability CVE-2026-6473 Allows Remote Code Execution
The National Vulnerability Database has disclosed CVE-2026-6473, a critical integer wraparound vulnerability affecting multiple features within PostgreSQL server. This flaw allows an unprivileged database user to trigger an allocation undersizing, leading to an out-of-bounds write. The direct consequence is the potential for arbitrary code execution as the operating system user running the database, a severe risk for any environment relying on PostgreSQL.
This vulnerability is particularly concerning for applications that handle gigabyte-scale user inputs passed to vulnerable database functions. While the National Vulnerability Database notes this could cause a segmentation fault for the application input provider, the primary threat remains remote code execution on the database server itself. Versions prior to PostgreSQL 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23 are impacted, making a broad range of deployments vulnerable.
Defenders must prioritize patching these PostgreSQL versions immediately. Given the CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH) and the potential for unauthenticated attackers (PR:L) to gain full control (C:H/I:H/A:H) via the network (AV:N), this is not a vulnerability to defer. Organizations should audit their PostgreSQL installations and apply the necessary updates across all production and staging environments to mitigate the risk of compromise.
What This Means For You
- If your organization runs PostgreSQL versions prior to 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, or 14.23, you must patch immediately. This vulnerability allows an unprivileged database user to execute arbitrary code on your server, posing a direct threat to your infrastructure.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
3 rules · 6 SIEM formats3 detection rules auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
CVE-2026-6473 PostgreSQL Integer Wraparound RCE - Process Creation
title: CVE-2026-6473 PostgreSQL Integer Wraparound RCE - Process Creation
id: scw-2026-05-14-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects potential exploitation of CVE-2026-6473 by monitoring PostgreSQL processes (postgres.exe) that are invoked with specific internal catalog table names which are known to be vulnerable to integer wraparound. This could indicate an unprivileged user attempting to trigger out-of-bounds writes for remote code execution.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-14
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-6473/
tags:
- attack.initial_access
- attack.t1190
logsource:
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
Image|contains:
- 'postgres.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'pg_catalog.pg_type'
- 'pg_catalog.pg_attribute'
- 'pg_catalog.pg_proc'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-6473 | RCE | PostgreSQL server versions before 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23 |
| CVE-2026-6473 | Memory Corruption | Integer wraparound in multiple PostgreSQL server features |
| CVE-2026-6473 | DoS | Segmentation fault when passing gigabyte-scale user inputs to PostgreSQL database functions |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 14, 2026 at 17:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
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