Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
A stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in pgAdmin 4 could allow an attacker to inject malicious HTML and JavaScript into the application's interface, potentially redirecting users to fraudulent sites. This threat affects the way pgAdmin handles data returned from a PostgreSQL server, bypassing typical security measures.
- Malicious code can be inserted into pgAdmin.
- It makes phishing attacks within pgAdmin possible.
- Confirm relevance and exposure for your operations.
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An attacker can inject malicious HTML into the pgAdmin interface by controlling text displayed by a PostgreSQL server, such as object names in error messages or EXPLAIN output. This injection occurs when a user's pgAdmin connects to the attacker-controlled server or views crafted data, allowing arbitrary HTML, including iframes, to be rendered directly within the legitimate pgAdmin window. This could lead to a phishing attack, as the deceptive content would be indistinguishable from genuine pgAdmin elements, and could redirect the user's browser tab to an attacker-controlled site.
- Requires attacker-controlled server.
- Vulnerable to injected HTML/iframes.
- Risk of phishing and redirection.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
When pgAdmin connects to a PostgreSQL server that an attacker controls, or a server returning attacker-influenced text, arbitrary HTML could be injected into the pgAdmin interface. This could lead to a phishing page that is indistinguishable from a genuine pgAdmin dialog, potentially redirecting the user's browser tab to an attacker-controlled URL.
- User's pgAdmin session.
- Crafted database objects or error messages.
- User redirection to malicious sites.
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
The stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in pgAdmin 4 affects its error and plan-node rendering paths, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript by controlling text returned by a PostgreSQL server. This could lead to phishing attacks by redirecting users to attacker-controlled URLs within the legitimate pgAdmin interface. The fix involves DOMPurify sanitization, a new plain-text rendering contract, and backend HTML escaping. Identifying affected instances, confirming business criticality and reachability, and coordinating with vendor management are key first steps for remediation.
- Application owners should manage the issue.
- Verify server-controlled text inputs.
- Plan remediation with vendor coordination.
