CVE-2012-3488: Medium severity PostgreSQL postgresql vulnerability
An XML External Entities (XXE) attack was found in the way xml2 contrib module, providing XPath querying and XSLT functionality, of PostgreSQL, an advanced Object-Relational database management system (DBMS), performed processing of XSLT documents. When the xml2 contrib module was enabled an unprivileged database user could issue a specially-crafted SQL query to the PostgreSQL server that, when processed could lead to attacker's ability to read or write (alter) arbitrary system files, accessible with the privileges of the user running the PostgreSQL server.
References: [1] http://www.postgresql.org/docs/8.3/static/release-8-3-20.html [2] http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.0/static/release-9-0-9.html [3] http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.1/static/release-9-1-5.html
Other sources
The libxslt support in contrib/xml2 in PostgreSQL 8.3 before 8.3.20, 8.4 before 8.4.13, 9.0 before 9.0.9, and 9.1 before 9.1.5 does not properly restrict access to files and URLs, which allows remote authenticated users to modify data, obtain sensitive information, or trigger outbound traffic to arbitrary external hosts by leveraging (1) stylesheet commands that are permitted by the libxslt security options or (2) an xsltprocess feature, related to an XML External Entity (aka XXE) issue.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2012-3488?
CVE-2012-3488 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential for XML External Entity (XXE) attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2012-3488?
To fix CVE-2012-3488, users should upgrade to PostgreSQL version 9.1.5, 9.0.9, 8.4.13, or 8.3.20.
What systems are affected by CVE-2012-3488?
CVE-2012-3488 affects PostgreSQL versions 9.1.x, 9.0.x, 8.4.x, and 8.3.x when the xml2 contrib module is enabled.
What is an XML External Entity (XXE) attack in relation to CVE-2012-3488?
An XML External Entity (XXE) attack exploits vulnerable XML parsers to access local files or internal system resources.
Can CVE-2012-3488 lead to data loss or exposure?
Yes, CVE-2012-3488 can potentially lead to data exfiltration or exposure if exploited successfully.