Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Discovered in pgAdmin 4
A significant security flaw, identified as CVE-2025-2945, has been discovered in pgAdmin 4, a widely used open-source administration tool for PostgreSQL databases. This vulnerability allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary code remotely, posing a severe risk to database security and system integrity.
Understanding CVE-2025-2945
CVE-2025-2945 is a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting pgAdmin 4 versions prior to 9.2. The flaw resides in the Query Tool and Cloud Deployment modules, specifically within two POST endpoints:
– `/sqleditor/query_tool/download`
– `/cloud/deploy`
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of user-supplied input. The `query_commited` parameter in the Query Tool and the `high_availability` parameter in the Cloud Deployment module are passed directly to Python’s `eval()` function without adequate validation. This oversight enables attackers to inject and execute malicious code on the server hosting pgAdmin 4.
Technical Details
In the affected versions, the `eval()` function processes user inputs without proper sanitization. This function evaluates the input as a Python expression, which, if manipulated by an attacker, can lead to the execution of arbitrary code. The specific endpoints and parameters involved are:
– Query Tool (`/sqleditor/query_tool/download`): The `query_commited` parameter is vulnerable.
– Cloud Deployment (`/cloud/deploy`): The `high_availability` parameter is vulnerable.
This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.9, indicating its critical severity. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity and no user interaction required, making it highly exploitable.
Potential Impact
Exploitation of CVE-2025-2945 can lead to:
1. Unauthorized System Access: Attackers can gain control over the server running pgAdmin 4, potentially accessing sensitive data and system resources.
2. Data Integrity Compromise: Malicious code execution can result in data manipulation, corruption, or deletion, undermining database integrity.
3. Increased Attack Surface: Successful exploitation may provide a foothold for further attacks, including the deployment of malware or lateral movement within the network.
Affected Versions
All versions of pgAdmin 4 prior to 9.2 are affected by this vulnerability. Users running these versions are at risk and should take immediate action to mitigate potential threats.
Mitigation Steps
To address this critical vulnerability, the following steps are recommended:
1. Immediate Upgrade: Update pgAdmin 4 to version 9.2 or later, where the issue has been resolved. The update includes proper validation of user inputs to prevent code injection.
2. Review Access Controls: Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to pgAdmin 4, and implement strict access controls to minimize potential exploitation.
3. Monitor System Logs: Regularly review system and application logs for any unusual activity that may indicate attempted exploitation of the vulnerability.
4. Educate Users: Inform users about the importance of applying updates promptly and following security best practices to prevent similar issues in the future.
Conclusion
The discovery of CVE-2025-2945 highlights the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in software development. Organizations using pgAdmin 4 should prioritize upgrading to the latest version to protect their systems from potential exploitation. Regular security assessments and adherence to best practices are essential to maintain a robust security posture.
