CVE-2025-59470: PostgreSQL Backup Operator RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-59470 Overview

CVE-2025-59470 is a critical command injection vulnerability that allows a Backup Operator to perform remote code execution (RCE) as the postgres user by sending a malicious interval or order parameter. This vulnerability affects Veeam backup infrastructure and can be exploited by authenticated attackers with Backup Operator privileges to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system.

Critical Impact

An authenticated attacker with Backup Operator privileges can achieve remote code execution as the postgres user, potentially compromising database integrity and gaining lateral movement capabilities within the backup infrastructure.

Affected Products

• Veeam Backup & Replication (refer to vendor advisory for specific versions)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-08 - CVE CVE-2025-59470 published to NVD
• 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-59470

Vulnerability Analysis

This command injection vulnerability (CWE-77) exists in Veeam's backup management functionality where user-supplied input is improperly sanitized before being passed to system commands. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network and requires high privileges (Backup Operator role), but the impact extends beyond the immediate context, affecting the confidentiality and integrity of the postgres database user environment.

The flaw specifically manifests in the processing of interval or order parameters within the application. When a Backup Operator submits specially crafted values for these parameters, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into command execution contexts, resulting in arbitrary command injection.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in a command (CWE-77: Command Injection). The application accepts user-controlled input through the interval or order parameters and passes this input to system commands without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This allows an attacker to inject shell metacharacters and additional commands that execute with the privileges of the postgres user.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-accessible and requires authentication with Backup Operator privileges. An attacker with valid Backup Operator credentials can craft malicious HTTP requests containing command injection payloads within the interval or order parameters. When processed by the vulnerable component, these payloads escape the intended command context and execute arbitrary commands as the postgres user.

The attack flow involves:

1. Authenticating to the Veeam management interface with Backup Operator credentials
2. Submitting a request to a vulnerable endpoint containing a malicious interval or order parameter
3. The injected commands execute in the context of the postgres user
4. The attacker gains code execution capabilities on the backup infrastructure

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-59470

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual command executions spawned from postgres or Veeam-related processes
• Suspicious parameter values containing shell metacharacters (;, |, $(), backticks) in application logs
• Unexpected network connections originating from the postgres user process
• New or modified files in postgres user directories that are not part of normal operations

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP request logs for anomalous values in interval and order parameters containing shell metacharacters or command sequences
• Implement process monitoring to detect unusual child processes spawned by postgres or Veeam backup services
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify command injection patterns targeting the backup infrastructure
• Review Backup Operator account activity for unusual access patterns or requests to vulnerable endpoints

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all Backup Operator actions and API requests
• Configure SIEM alerts for command injection patterns in web application logs
• Monitor for lateral movement attempts originating from backup infrastructure servers
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical postgres and Veeam directories

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-59470

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the security patch from Veeam immediately by following the guidance in the Veeam Knowledge Base Article
• Audit all Backup Operator accounts and remove unnecessary privileges
• Restrict network access to Veeam management interfaces to authorized administrators only
• Review logs for evidence of exploitation attempts prior to patching

Patch Information

Veeam has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the Veeam Knowledge Base Article for detailed patching instructions and affected version information. Apply the latest security patches to all Veeam Backup & Replication deployments as soon as possible.

Workarounds

• Implement network segmentation to limit access to the Veeam management interface from trusted networks only
• Apply strict input validation at the web application firewall (WAF) level to block requests containing shell metacharacters in the interval and order parameters
• Temporarily restrict Backup Operator access to essential personnel only until patching is complete
• Monitor and alert on all authentication attempts and actions performed by Backup Operator accounts