CVE-2026-6478: Covert timing channel in comparison of MD5-hashed password in PostgreSQL authentication allows an attacker to

Routine

MEDIUM 6.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-6478 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting postgresql. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Covert timing channel in comparison of MD5-hashed password in PostgreSQL authentication allows an attacker to recover user credentials sufficient to authenticate. This does not affect scram-sha-256 passwords, the default in all supported releases. However, current databases may have MD5-hashed passwords originating in upgrades from PostgreSQL 13 or earlier. Versions before PostgreSQL 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23 are affected.

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 54%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-385
Published	2026-05-14
Last modified	2026-08-25

Publisher (CNA): PostgreSQL · Vendor: postgresql

Last updated 2026-08-25 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-14 14:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-08-25 13:19 UTCUpdated Record last modified

postgresql postgresql UPGRADE

Affected: < 14.23 · >= 15.0 and < 15.18 · >= 16.0 and < 16.14 · >= 17.0 and < 17.10 · >= 18.0 and < 18.4

Fixed in: 14.23, 15.18, 16.14, 17.10, 18.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 15.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 14.23 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade postgresql

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 15.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison postgresql sudo apt install postgresql=<VERSION_BEFORE_15.0> sudo apt-mark hold postgresql

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

dnf --showduplicates list postgresql sudo dnf downgrade postgresql-<VERSION_BEFORE_15.0> sudo dnf versionlock add postgresql

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-2026-6478?

postgresql: upgrade to 14.23, 15.18, 16.14, 17.10, 18.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-6478 being exploited?

CVE-2026-6478 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-2026-6478 affect?

CVE-2026-6478 affects postgresql. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Covert timing channel in comparison of MD5-hashed password in PostgreSQL authentication allows an attacker to recover user credentials sufficient to authenticate. This does not affect scram-sha-256 passwords, the default in all supported r

How urgent is CVE-2026-6478?

Priority 39/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

PostgreSQL vulnerabilities

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References

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