CVE-2026-16240
PostgreSQL pg_basebackup can use backup manifest content as a format string
Use of externally-controlled format string in PostgreSQL pg_basebackup allows an attacker having already compromised a server to achieve disclosure from pg_basebackup memory, via backup manifest bytes. The vulnerability does not return the improperly-read bytes back to the attacker's server, so a successful attack would need separate implementation-specific secrets for that. Integrity impact is unlikely; in particular, the applicable formatter does not support %n. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.7, 17.12, 16.16, 15.20, and 14.25 are affected.
Fixes and workarounds
No remediation reported in collected sources.
Missing remediation information is not evidence that no patch exists.
Affected products and versions
| Product | Versions | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL n/a |
≥ 18; < 18.7 (affected, rpm) ≥ 17; < 17.12 (affected, rpm) ≥ 16; < 16.16 (affected, rpm) ≥ 15; < 15.20 (affected, rpm) ≥ 0; < 14.25 (affected, rpm) Other versions: unaffected |
CNA: PostgreSQL |
Version ranges are source assertions. Check the vendor advisory and your installed configuration before determining exposure.
CVSS assessments
| Version / score | Vector | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 / 3.7 low |
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N | CNA: PostgreSQL |
Exploit evidence
No exploit evidence in collected sources. This is not proof of no exploitation.
References
- https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/CVE-2026-16240/CNA: PostgreSQL
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