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CVE-2021-41558: The set_user extension module before 3.0.0 for PostgreSQL allows ProcessUtility_hook bypass via set_config.

The set_user extension module before 3.0.0 for PostgreSQL allows ProcessUtility_hook bypass via set_config.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A PostgreSQL add-on used to switch database users could be bypassed in versions before 3.0.0. The source bundle does not provide CVSS, CWE, or detailed impact, so urgency depends on whether this extension protects privileged database activity.

Executive priority

Treat as a targeted database control issue, not a broad internet emergency. Prioritize if set_user is part of privileged access, auditing, or separation-of-duties controls.

Technical view

CVE-2021-41558 affects the pgaudit set_user extension before 3.0.0. The described flaw is a ProcessUtility_hook bypass through set_config. The provided sources do not define exact privilege impact, prerequisites, or affected PostgreSQL versions.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to PostgreSQL environments that installed the set_user extension and still run a version before 3.0.0.

Exploitation context

CISA KEV is false, and the provided sources do not cite active exploitation. The bundle does not establish whether exploitation requires authenticated database access or elevated privileges.

Researcher notes

The public bundle is sparse: no CVSS, CWE, exploit status, or detailed patch notes are included. Analysis should stay tied to the stated hook bypass and pre-3.0.0 affected range.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory PostgreSQL systems using the set_user extension.
  • Upgrade set_user to version 3.0.0 or later where applicable.
  • Check the upstream release notes before changing production database extensions.
  • Prioritize systems where set_user protects privileged database workflows.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm whether set_user is installed on each PostgreSQL instance.
  • Record the installed set_user extension version.
  • Verify upgraded environments report version 3.0.0 or later.
  • Review database controls that rely on set_user enforcement.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
3

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2021-41558 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
2Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.