CVE-2024-10979: PostgreSQL PL/Perl environment variable changes execute arbitrary code

Published Nov 14, 2024
·
Updated

Incorrect control of environment variables in PostgreSQL PL/Perl allows an unprivileged database user to change sensitive process environment variables (e.g. PATH). That often suffices to enable arbitrary code execution, even if the attacker lacks a database server operating system user. Versions before PostgreSQL 17.1, 16.5, 15.9, 14.14, 13.17, and 12.21 are affected.

Other sources

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Launchpad

Affected Software

9 affected componentsFixes available
PostgreSQL postgresql>=12.0<12.21
PostgreSQL postgresql>=13.0<13.17
PostgreSQL postgresql>=14.0<14.14
PostgreSQL postgresql>=15.0<15.9
PostgreSQL postgresql>=16.0<16.5
PostgreSQL postgresql>=17.0<17.1
debian/postgresql-13<=13.16-0+deb11u1
13.20-0+deb11u1
debian/postgresql-15
15.12-0+deb12u215.10-0+deb12u1
debian/postgresql-17
17.4-1

Event History

Nov 14, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·02:01 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Dec 2, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·03:36 PM
Description
Mar 23, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:57 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2024-10979?

CVE-2024-10979 is considered a critical vulnerability due to the potential for arbitrary code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2024-10979?

To fix CVE-2024-10979, upgrade to PostgreSQL versions 13.18-0+deb11u1, 15.10-0+deb12u1, or 17.2-1.

3

What vulnerabilities are associated with CVE-2024-10979?

CVE-2024-10979 allows unprivileged users to modify sensitive process environment variables in PostgreSQL PL/Perl.

4

Who is affected by CVE-2024-10979?

Users of PostgreSQL versions earlier than 13.18, 15.10, or 17.2 who utilize PL/Perl may be affected by CVE-2024-10979.

5

What can happen if CVE-2024-10979 is exploited?

Exploitation of CVE-2024-10979 can lead to arbitrary code execution, compromising the security of the database server.

Contact

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