CVE-2026-120144 PostgreSQL type-cache invalidation gap executes arbitrary code
An object creator can exploit type confusion in PostgreSQL's type cache to execute code as the database OS user.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Harmful if only installed
- No
- Needs a specific call
- No
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-120144?
CVE-2026-120144 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in PostgreSQL, published on 12 Nov 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
Type confusion from incomplete PostgreSQL type-cache invalidation allows an object creator to execute arbitrary code as the operating system user running the database, via a composite type change while its cache entry is being populated. Within major version 18, minor versions before PostgreSQL 18.7 are affected. Versions before PostgreSQL 18 are unaffected.
Weakness: CWE-843
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-120144?
An affected version is exposed as installed. No special setting or call is needed.
How do I fix CVE-2026-120144?
Upgrade to a fixed version.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2026-120144 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-120144 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2026-120144, DEBIAN-CVE-2026-120144, ECHO-378c-a81f-0a81, GHSA-98hh-69ff-2vc7.