CVE-2009-3231

CVE-2009-3231 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Postgresql with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-287.

Key facts

• Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 6.8)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 8% (94th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-287
• Affected product: Postgresql
• Published: 2009-09-17
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The core server component in PostgreSQL 8.3 before 8.3.8 and 8.2 before 8.2.14, when using LDAP authentication with anonymous binds, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via an empty password.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-3231?

The core server component in PostgreSQL 8.3 before 8.3.8 and 8.2 before 8.2.14, when using LDAP authentication with anonymous binds, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via an empty password.

How severe is CVE-2009-3231?

CVE-2009-3231 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.8, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2009-3231 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 8% (94th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-3231?

CVE-2009-3231 primarily affects Postgresql. In total, 11 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-3231?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2009-3231 published?

CVE-2009-3231 was published on 2009-09-17 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2009-10/msg00001.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2009-10/msg00004.html
• http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=134124585221119&w=2
• http://secunia.com/advisories/36660
• http://secunia.com/advisories/36727
• http://secunia.com/advisories/36800
• http://secunia.com/advisories/36837
• http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/Advisories:rPSA-2010-0012
• http://www.postgresql.org/docs/8.3/static/release-8-3-8.html
• http://www.postgresql.org/support/security.html
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/509917/100/0/threaded
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/36314
• http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-834-1
• http://www.us.debian.org/security/2009/dsa-1900
• https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=522084
• https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2009-September/msg00305.html
• https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2009-September/msg00307.html

Affected products (11)

• cpe:2.3:a:postgresql:postgresql:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:opensuse:opensuse:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:suse:linux_enterprise:10.0:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:suse:linux_enterprise:11.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:suse:linux_enterprise_server:9:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:11:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:6.06:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:8.04:*:*:*:-:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:8.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:9.04:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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Other CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) vulnerabilities

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