# CVE-2026-120145: PostgreSQL logical replication arbitrary code execution

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-120145-missing-authorization-in-postgresql-logical-replication-allows-a  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-12. Updated: 2026-11-12  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-120145 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-11-12

PostgreSQL is a database server that replicates data from a publisher database to subscriber databases. A compromised publisher can trick a superuser-owned subscriber into executing arbitrary code on the subscriber's server by designating a system catalog as a replication target. This allows the attacker to run commands with the privileges of the operating system user running PostgreSQL.

Technologies: [PostgreSQL](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/postgresql). Vendors: [PostgreSQL](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/postgresql).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-120145 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-120145 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-120145?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 12 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** PostgreSQL before 14.25, 15.20, 16.16, 17.12, and 18.7.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-120145?** Yes: fixed in PostgreSQL 14.25, 15.20, 16.16, 17.12, 18.7. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-120145 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-120145?** Check whether you run PostgreSQL at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- Fixed in PostgreSQL 14.25, 15.20, 16.16, 17.12, 18.7

## Technical details

Missing authorization checks in PostgreSQL logical replication enable a compromised publisher to target system catalogs for replication. The vulnerability exploits insufficient validation of replication targets, allowing writes to critical system tables. Only subscriptions owned by superusers are vulnerable; the attack requires network access to a publisher and compromises the subscriber's database integrity and system security.

## Affected products

- PostgreSQL PostgreSQL before 14.25, 15.20, 16.16, 17.12, and 18.7

## Timeline

- 2026-11-12: disclosed
- 2026-11-12: patched

## References

- [https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/CVE-2026-120145/](https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/CVE-2026-120145/)

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