CVE-2026-120145 PostgreSQL logical replication can write to subscriber system catalogs, executing arbitrary code
A compromised PostgreSQL publisher can name a system catalog as a replication target to run code as the superuser's subscription user.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Harmful if only installed
- No
- Needs a specific call
- No
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-120145?
CVE-2026-120145 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in PostgreSQL, published on 12 Nov 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
Missing authorization in PostgreSQL logical replication allows a compromised publisher to execute arbitrary code as the operating system user running the superuser-owned subscription, via naming a system catalog as a replication target. Only subscriptions owned by a superuser are vulnerable. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.7, 17.12, 16.16, 15.20, and 14.25 are affected.
Weakness: CWE-862
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-120145?
Only installations with a non-default setting turned on are exposed.
How do I fix CVE-2026-120145?
Upgrade to a fixed version.
Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.
Is CVE-2026-120145 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-120145 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2026-120145, DEBIAN-CVE-2026-120145, ECHO-24a8-ca62-a008, GHSA-j3p3-grqw-h5vf.