CVE-2026-46445 Overview
CVE-2026-46445 is a SQL injection vulnerability in SOGo, an open-source groupware server providing webmail, calendar, and address book services. The flaw affects SOGo versions prior to 5.12.7 when configured with a PostgreSQL backend. An authenticated attacker can inject crafted SQL statements through application input that reaches the database layer without proper sanitization. The issue is classified under CWE-89, Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. The vendor addressed the flaw in SOGo 5.12.7, released according to the SOGo v5.12.7 Release News.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can read, modify, or destroy data in the PostgreSQL backend used by SOGo, exposing mail metadata, calendars, contacts, and credentials.
Affected Products
- SOGo versions prior to 5.12.7
- SOGo deployments configured with PostgreSQL as the backend database
- Distribution packages bundling vulnerable SOGo releases, including Debian builds referenced in the Debian Bug Archive Message
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-14 - CVE-2026-46445 published to NVD
- 2026-05-14 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-46445
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a server-side SQL injection in the SOGo groupware application when paired with PostgreSQL. Input handled by SOGo reaches SQL statements without sufficient parameterization or escaping. An authenticated user with low privileges can manipulate query semantics by submitting crafted values that alter the resulting SQL. The fix was committed via the upstream GitHub Pull Request Changes, which adjusts how user-controlled values are incorporated into queries. Successful exploitation can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of mail, calendar, and contact data, and may affect service availability.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in SQL queries, mapped to [CWE-89]. Application code constructed query fragments that incorporated attacker-controllable data without binding it as parameters. When SOGo runs on PostgreSQL, the database executes the manipulated statement as written. The patch in pull request #379 refactors query construction so that untrusted input is no longer concatenated into raw SQL.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires an authenticated session on the SOGo instance. The attacker submits crafted input through application requests that the server forwards to the PostgreSQL backend. Exploitation complexity is non-trivial because the injection point and payload must align with SOGo's query construction logic. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own authenticated requests.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is referenced in the advisory. Technical specifics are available in the upstream patch linked above.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-46445
Indicators of Compromise
- PostgreSQL logs showing syntactically unusual statements originating from the SOGo application user, including UNION SELECT, stacked queries, or comment markers such as -- and /* */.
- SOGo application logs containing request parameters with SQL metacharacters or encoded equivalents (%27, %22, 0x27).
- Unexpected errors from the PostgreSQL driver returned to authenticated SOGo sessions.
- Outbound queries returning row counts or response sizes significantly larger than typical user actions.
Detection Strategies
- Enable PostgreSQL log_statement = 'all' temporarily on non-production systems to baseline normal SOGo queries, then alert on deviations.
- Deploy a web application firewall in front of SOGo with rules tuned for SQL injection patterns on authenticated endpoints.
- Correlate SOGo authentication events with database error spikes to surface probing activity from a single account.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor the SOGo PostgreSQL role for unusual table access, schema enumeration queries against information_schema, or use of pg_catalog.
- Track failed query rates and long-running statements tied to the SOGo application user.
- Alert on changes to SOGo binaries, configuration files, and the installed package version on production hosts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-46445
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade SOGo to version 5.12.7 or later as announced in the SOGo v5.12.7 Release News.
- Inventory all SOGo deployments and identify those using PostgreSQL backends, which are the affected configuration.
- Rotate any credentials or session tokens that may have been exposed if compromise is suspected.
- Review PostgreSQL audit logs for evidence of injection attempts during the exposure window.
Patch Information
The fix is included in SOGo 5.12.7, with the upstream code change available in the GitHub Pull Request Changes. Debian users should track distribution updates referenced in the Debian Bug Archive Message. Apply the vendor or distribution package update rather than backporting the patch manually where possible.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to SOGo to trusted client networks and VPN users until the upgrade is applied.
- Apply database-level least privilege by ensuring the SOGo PostgreSQL role cannot access tables outside its operational schema.
- Place a web application firewall in blocking mode with SQL injection signatures enabled for authenticated SOGo paths.
- Increase logging verbosity on PostgreSQL and SOGo to support investigation if exploitation is suspected.
# Configuration example: verify installed SOGo version and plan upgrade
dpkg -l | grep -i sogo
apt-get update && apt-get install --only-upgrade sogo
# Confirm post-upgrade version is 5.12.7 or later
sogo-tool version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
