CVE-2020-21469

Name: CVE-2020-21469
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-08-22T19:16:13.257+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 4.4/10EPSS 0.36%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-21469 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 4.4/10 on the CVSS scale. An issue was discovered in PostgreSQL 12.2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service via repeatedly sending SIGHUP signals. NOTE: this is disputed by the vendor because untrusted users cannot send SIGHUP signals; they can only be sent by a PostgreSQL superuser, a user with pg_reload_conf access, or a user with sufficient privileges at the OS level (the postgres account or the root account).. EPSS estimates a 0.36% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An issue was discovered in PostgreSQL 12.2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service via repeatedly sending SIGHUP signals. NOTE: this is disputed by the vendor because untrusted users cannot send SIGHUP signals; they can only be sent by a PostgreSQL superuser, a user with pg_reload_conf access, or a user with sufficient privileges at the OS level (the postgres account or the root account).

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

4.4/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.36%

27.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-120

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Postgresql	Postgresql	12.2

References

https://www.postgresql.org/message-id/CAA8ZSMqAHDCgo07hqKoM5XJaoQy6Vv76O7966agez4ffyQktkA%40mail.gmail.comExploit, Mailing List, Vendor Advisory
https://www.postgresql.org/message-id/flat/CAA8ZSMqAHDCgo07hqKoM5XJaoQy6Vv76O7966agez4ffyQktkA%40mail.gmail.comMailing List
https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/Product
https://www.postgresql.org/message-id/CAA8ZSMqAHDCgo07hqKoM5XJaoQy6Vv76O7966agez4ffyQktkA%40mail.gmail.comExploit, Mailing List, Vendor Advisory
https://www.postgresql.org/message-id/flat/CAA8ZSMqAHDCgo07hqKoM5XJaoQy6Vv76O7966agez4ffyQktkA%40mail.gmail.comMailing List
https://www.postgresql.org/support/security/Product

Timeline

Published: Aug 22, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-21469?

How severe is CVE-2020-21469?

CVE-2020-21469 has a CVSS score of 4.4/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-21469?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-21469?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST