Format string error in PostgreSQL - CVE-2026-16240
Published: November 12, 2026
Vulnerability identifier: #VU166134
CSH Severity: Low
CVSS v4: 6.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-16240
CWE-ID: CWE-134
Exploitation vector: Remote access
Exploit availability:
No public exploit available
Vulnerability details
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to disclose information from pg_basebackup memory.
The vulnerability exists due to use of an externally controlled format string in PostgreSQL pg_basebackup when processing backup manifest content from a compromised server. A remote attacker can supply crafted backup manifest bytes that are interpreted as formatting directives to disclose information from pg_basebackup memory.
Affected software
PostgreSQL
How to mitigate CVE-2026-16240
Install security update from vendor's website.
PostgreSQL - addressed in versions 14.25, 15.20, 16.16, 17.12, 18.7