CVE-2025-4207 is classified as a buffer over-read vulnerability in PostgreSQL's GB18030 encoding validation. This vulnerability allows a database input provider to achieve temporary denial of service on platforms where a 1-byte over-read can lead to process termination. The affected components include the database server and libpq. Organizations using PostgreSQL versions prior to 17.5, 16.9, 15.13, 14.18, and 13.21 should be particularly vigilant.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.9, indicating a medium severity level. This rating underscores the importance of addressing the vulnerability promptly, as it poses a significant risk to the availability of the affected systems. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in service disruptions, leading to potential data inaccessibility and impact on business operations.
Currently, there are no known public exploits associated with CVE-2025-4207. However, the potential for such vulnerabilities to be exploited increases with time, especially if they remain unaddressed. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate any risks associated with this vulnerability.
Overall, the buffer over-read vulnerability in PostgreSQL's GB18030 encoding validation poses a real-world risk to organizations, and immediate remediation actions are recommended.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability occurs due to a buffer over-read in the GB18030 encoding validation within PostgreSQL. This issue can lead to a temporary denial of service when a 1-byte over-read causes the process to terminate unexpectedly. The affected versions include PostgreSQL 17.5, 16.9, 15.13, 14.18, and 13.21, as well as the libpq library.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-126, which is related to buffer over-read issues. The CVSS score of 5.9 indicates a medium severity, highlighting the need for organizations to address this vulnerability. The potential for availability impact is significant, as the vulnerability could lead to unavailability of database services.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of input data during GB18030 encoding validation in PostgreSQL. Specifically, the buffer over-read allows an attacker to exploit the encoding process by sending crafted input data that exceeds the allocated buffer size.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, meaning that an attacker can potentially exploit it remotely without needing physical access to the affected system. The attack complexity is considered high, as the attacker must craft specific input that triggers the vulnerability.
No privileges are required for exploitation, making it easier for attackers to leverage this vulnerability. Additionally, user interaction is not required, further increasing the risk. The confidentiality impact is none, while the integrity impact is also none, but the availability impact is high as it can lead to process termination.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2025-4207 is significant, particularly for organizations relying on PostgreSQL for critical database functions. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to disrupt services, leading to downtime and potential data loss. As the vulnerability is network-exploitable, the blast radius could extend to any system within the network that interacts with the vulnerable database.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation based on their specific operational context. Given the CVSS score and the potential for significant availability impact, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
A proactive approach, including regular security assessments and monitoring, can help organizations mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-4207. By staying informed about vulnerabilities and maintaining a robust patch management strategy, organizations can reduce their exposure to potential attacks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include PostgreSQL 17.5, 16.9, 15.13, 14.18, and 13.21. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching their PostgreSQL installations to versions 17.5, 16.9, 15.13, 14.18, or 13.21 to remediate the vulnerability. If immediate patching is not feasible, implementing network controls to restrict access to the database server can help mitigate potential exploitation.
Additionally, organizations can conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities in their systems. For more comprehensive guidance, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing services to uncover any security weaknesses that may exist.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual application behavior, such as unexpected process terminations or resource consumption spikes. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions can help identify abnormal traffic patterns directed at the database server.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-4207 highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure database systems. As attacks become increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial for organizations to adopt a proactive security posture. Regularly updating software, conducting security assessments, and fostering a culture of security awareness are essential strategies to mitigate risks.
For organizations using PostgreSQL, understanding the implications of vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-4207 can lead to better security practices and resilience against potential attacks. To further enhance security, organizations can utilize application security assessments to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities in their applications.
In conclusion, organizations should remain vigilant and adapt their security strategies in response to emerging threats, ensuring their systems remain secure and resilient.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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