CVE-2015-3166

CVE-2015-3166 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Postgresql with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. 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-119.

Key facts

• Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
• CVSS v2: 7.5
• EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (91st percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-119
• Affected product: Postgresql
• Published: 2019-11-20
• Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The snprintf implementation in PostgreSQL before 9.0.20, 9.1.x before 9.1.16, 9.2.x before 9.2.11, 9.3.x before 9.3.7, and 9.4.x before 9.4.2 does not properly handle system-call errors, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information or have other unspecified impact via unknown vectors, as demonstrated by an out-of-memory error.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2015-3166?

The snprintf implementation in PostgreSQL before 9.0.20, 9.1.x before 9.1.16, 9.2.x before 9.2.11, 9.3.x before 9.3.7, and 9.4.x before 9.4.2 does not properly handle system-call errors, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information or have other unspecified impact via unknown vectors, as demonstrated by an out-of-memory error.

How severe is CVE-2015-3166?

CVE-2015-3166 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2015-3166 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2015-3166?

CVE-2015-3166 primarily affects Postgresql. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2015-3166?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2015-3166 published?

CVE-2015-3166 was published on 2019-11-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

• http://ubuntu.com/usn/usn-2621-1
• http://www.debian.org/security/2015/dsa-3269
• http://www.debian.org/security/2015/dsa-3270
• http://www.postgresql.org/about/news/1587/
• http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.0/static/release-9-0-20.html
• http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.1/static/release-9-1-16.html
• http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.2/static/release-9-2-11.html
• http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.3/static/release-9-3-7.html
• http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.4/static/release-9-4-2.html

Affected products (8)

• cpe:2.3:a:postgresql:postgresql:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:12.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:14.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:14.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:15.04:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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