CVE-2026-16238: PostgreSQL type confusion in pg_restore_attribute_stats() executes arbitrary code
CSIRTS triage
- What
- Type confusion in pg_restore_attribute_stats() allows arbitrary code execution during restore operations.
- Who is affected
- PostgreSQL instances with untrusted pg_dump or WAL archives processed by affected versions.
- Urgency
- Critical; remote code execution with high CVSS 8.8 requires immediate patching.
- Action
- Update PostgreSQL to a version with the fix; avoid processing untrusted database dumps until patched.
AI-assisted analysis generated from the source advisory — verify against the original.
⚡ Watch PostgreSQL
Get an email when a new PostgreSQL advisory drops — max one per day, one-click unsubscribe.
Details
Original advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-16238
Exploitation outlook
EPSS (FIRST.org) estimates each CVE’s probability of exploitation in the next 30 days — here is the CSIRTS.com read on those numbers.
- Low exploitation riskCVE-2026-162380.60% 30-day exploitation probability — currently an unlikely target, but scores change as exploit code circulates. Riskier than 46% of all EPSS-scored CVEs.
Referenced CVEs
| CVE | CSIRTS overview | External |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-16238 | coverage & exploitation status | NVD · CVE.org |
Same CVEs, other sources
How other CERTs, PSIRTs and databases cover the vulnerabilities in this advisory.
- high[NEW] [high] PostgreSQL: Multiple vulnerabilitiescert-bund
- unknownUSN-8653-1: PostgreSQL vulnerabilitiesubuntu
- unknownMultiple vulnerabilities in PostgreSQL (August 14, 2026)cert-fr-avis
- highCVE-2026-16238: Type confusion in PostgreSQL pg_restore_attribute_stats() allows an object creator to execute …nvd
More from Microsoft Security Response Center
- lowCVE-2026-14673: PostgreSQL amcheck does not clear untrusted search path2026-08-11
- criticalCVE-2026-69836: Microsoft Entra ID Remote Code Execution Vulnerability2026-08-11
- mediumCVE-2026-53792: rsync < 3.5.0 Out-of-Bounds Read via Zero-Length Checksum Block2026-08-11
- highCVE-2026-70347: Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability2026-08-11
- highCVE-2026-64909: Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability2026-08-11