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The CVE-2025-XXXX vulnerability in pgAdmin 4 stems from the insecure use of `shell=True` within subprocess calls during backup and restore operations on the Windows platform. When a user initiates a backup or restore, the application constructs a command string that incorporates user-supplied input for the file path. Due to the `shell=True` parameter, this entire string is interpreted by the system shell (e.g., cmd.exe) instead of being executed directly. An attacker can craft a malicious file path containing shell metacharacters such as `&` or `|` to break out of the intended command context. This allows the injection and subsequent execution of arbitrary operating system commands with the privileges of the pgAdmin 4 process, potentially leading to a full compromise of the underlying Windows host.
Platform: pgAdmin
Version: <= 9.9
Vulnerability: Command Injection
Severity: Moderate
date: 2025-11-13
Prediction: 2025-11-27
What Undercode Say:
pg_dump -Fc "dbname" > C:\backups\legit.bak pg_dump -Fc "dbname" > C:\backups\file.bak & whoami > C:\output.txt
Simulated vulnerable code path
user_file_path = get_user_input() e.g., "backup.bak & calc.exe"
command = f"pg_dump -Fc mydb > {user_file_path}"
subprocess.run(command, shell=True) Shell injection occurs here
How Exploit:
Craft malicious backup path.
Path includes shell commands.
Arbitrary code executes.
Protection from this CVE
Update pgAdmin version.
Sanitize user file inputs.
Avoid `shell=True` usage.
Impact:
Arbitrary command execution.
System compromise.
Data theft.
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Sources:
Reported By: github.com
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