CVE-2022-40756: If folder security is misconfigured for Actian Zen PSQL BEFORE Patch Update 1 for Zen 15 SP1 (v15.11.005), Pat

This month

HIGH 8.8UPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2022-40756 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting psql, zen. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

If folder security is misconfigured for Actian Zen PSQL BEFORE Patch Update 1 for Zen 15 SP1 (v15.11.005), Patch Update 4 for Zen 15 (v15.01.017), or Patch Update 5 for Zen 14 SP2 (v14.21.022), it can allow an attacker (with file read/write access) to remove specific security files in order to reset the master password and gain access to the database.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.8% (top 43%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-732
Published	2022-09-30
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: actian

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-09-30 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

actian psql UPGRADE

Affected: >= 11 and <= 13

Fixed in: newer than 13

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 11

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 13 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade psql

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 11 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison psql sudo apt install psql=<VERSION_BEFORE_11> sudo apt-mark hold psql

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

dnf --showduplicates list psql sudo dnf downgrade psql-<VERSION_BEFORE_11> sudo dnf versionlock add psql

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.

actian zen UPGRADE

Affected: >= 14.0 and < 14.21.022 · >= 15.0 and < 15.01.017

Fixed in: 14.21.022, 15.01.017

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 14.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 14.21.022 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade zen

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 14.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison zen sudo apt install zen=<VERSION_BEFORE_14.0> sudo apt-mark hold zen

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

dnf --showduplicates list zen sudo dnf downgrade zen-<VERSION_BEFORE_14.0> sudo dnf versionlock add zen

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.

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-2022-40756?

psql: upgrade to newer than 13; zen: upgrade to 14.21.022, 15.01.017. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-40756 being exploited?

CVE-2022-40756 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-2022-40756 affect?

CVE-2022-40756 affects psql, zen. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). If folder security is misconfigured for Actian Zen PSQL BEFORE Patch Update 1 for Zen 15 SP1 (v15.11.005), Patch Update 4 for Zen 15 (v15.01.017), or Patch Update 5 for Zen 14 SP2 (v14.21.022), it can allow an attacker (with file read/write

How urgent is CVE-2022-40756?

Priority 45/100. High severity

References

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