CVE-2017-18359: PostGIS 2.x before 2.3.3, as used with PostgreSQL, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via cr

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2017-18359 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting postgis, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PostGIS 2.x before 2.3.3, as used with PostgreSQL, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via crafted ST_AsX3D function input, as demonstrated by an abnormal server termination for "SELECT ST_AsX3D('LINESTRING EMPTY');" because empty geometries are mishandled.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	3.0% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2019-01-25
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · postgis

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-01-25 05:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:12 UTCUpdated Record last modified

postgis postgis UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.0.0 and < 2.3.3

Fixed in: 2.3.3

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy postgis || rpm -q postgis || postgis --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.3.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade postgis

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade postgis

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison postgis sudo apt install postgis=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold postgis

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list postgis sudo dnf downgrade postgis-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add postgis

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0 · 9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2017-18359?

postgis: upgrade to 2.3.3; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-18359 being exploited?

CVE-2017-18359 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2017-18359 affect?

CVE-2017-18359 affects postgis, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). PostGIS 2.x before 2.3.3, as used with PostgreSQL, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via crafted ST_AsX3D function input, as demonstrated by an abnormal server termination for "SELECT ST_AsX3D('LINESTRING EMPTY');" becaus

How urgent is CVE-2017-18359?

Priority 63/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

PostgreSQL vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities

References

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