CVE-2021-3393 : Security Advisory and Response

An information leak was discovered in PostgreSQL versions before 13.2, 12.6, and 11.11. Attackers with UPDATE but not SELECT permission could craft queries to reveal values from specific columns through error messages.

Understanding CVE-2021-3393

This vulnerability impacts PostgreSQL versions prior to 13.2, 12.6, and 11.11, allowing attackers to extract confidential information.

What is CVE-2021-3393?

CVE-2021-3393 involves an information leak in PostgreSQL versions, enabling unauthorized access to column values via crafted queries.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3393

The vulnerability permits attackers with limited permissions to extract sensitive data, potentially compromising the confidentiality of stored information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3393

The technical aspects of CVE-2021-3393 include a vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in PostgreSQL versions before 13.2, 12.6, and 11.11 allows users with UPDATE but not SELECT permission to extract column values through specific queries.

Affected Systems and Versions

PostgreSQL versions earlier than 13.2, 12.6, and 11.11 are vulnerable to this information leak.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers leverage the lack of SELECT permissions to retrieve sensitive data by crafting queries that expose column values.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-3393, immediate steps should be taken along with long-term security practices and timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should review and adjust user permissions, conduct security audits, and monitor access to sensitive data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establish robust access controls, educate users on secure practices, and maintain awareness of potential information leaks.

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest security patches from PostgreSQL to mitigate the CVE-2021-3393 vulnerability.