Amazon Redshift JDBC Driver Vulnerability Allows Remote Code Execution
The National Vulnerability Database has disclosed CVE-2026-8178, a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.1) in Amazon Redshift JDBC Driver versions prior to 2.2.2. This flaw, categorized as CWE-470 (Unrestricted External Program Control), allows for arbitrary class loading and execution through manipulated JDBC connection URL parameters.
An attacker who can influence the connection URL could potentially execute code within the application’s context. This is contingent on a suitable class already being present on the application’s classpath. While this adds a layer of complexity for the attacker, it’s a dangerous primitive that could lead to full system compromise if exploited successfully.
Defenders must prioritize upgrading to Amazon Redshift JDBC Driver version 2.2.2 or later immediately. This mitigates the risk of an attacker leveraging crafted connection strings to achieve remote code execution, which could have severe implications for data integrity and system availability.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses Amazon Redshift JDBC Driver, you need to verify the version in use. Upgrade all instances to version 2.2.2 or later immediately to patch CVE-2026-8178. This isn't theoretical; an attacker could use this to execute arbitrary code within your application, potentially leading to a full breach.
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-2026-8178: Redshift JDBC Driver Arbitrary Class Loading via Connection URL
title: CVE-2026-8178: Redshift JDBC Driver Arbitrary Class Loading via Connection URL
id: scw-2026-05-08-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
This rule detects attempts to exploit CVE-2026-8178 by looking for specific JDBC connection URL parameters commonly associated with the Amazon Redshift JDBC driver. The vulnerability allows an attacker to influence the connection URL to load and execute arbitrary classes, leading to Remote Code Execution if a suitable class is available on the application's classpath. This detection focuses on the initial access vector where an attacker might manipulate these parameters.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-08
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-8178/
tags:
- attack.initial_access
- attack.t1190
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
cs-uri-query|contains:
- 'driverClassName=org.postgresql.Driver'
- 'url=jdbc:redshift://'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-8178 | RCE | Amazon Redshift JDBC Driver versions prior to 2.2.2 |
| CVE-2026-8178 | Code Injection | Processing JDBC connection URL parameters |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 08, 2026 at 22:16 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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