Ensure 'debug_print_plan' is disabled

LowLevel 1Automatedpostgres

Description

The debug_print_plan setting enables printing the execution plan for each executed query. These messages are emitted at the LOG message level. Unless directed otherwise by your organization's logging policy, it is recommended this setting be disabled by setting it to off. Runs psql as ${PGUSER:-postgres} against ${PGDATABASE:-postgres}; set PGHOST/PGPORT and use ~/.pgpass (not PGPASSWORD, see 1.6/1.7) when peer authentication is not available.

How it is checked

Audit method: SQL query

sql_query

out=$(psql -X -U "${PGUSER:-postgres}" -d "${PGDATABASE:-postgres}" -tAc "SHOW debug_print_plan" 2>/dev/null) || exit 1; printf '%s\n' "$out"

Expected output: off

How it is fixed

Fix method: SQL statement

shell

psql -X -U "${PGUSER:-postgres}" -c "ALTER SYSTEM SET debug_print_plan = 'off'" -c "SELECT pg_reload_conf()"

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: postgresdatabaselogging
Reference: CIS PostgreSQL 18 Benchmark v1.0.0 - 3.1.18 Ensure 'debug_print_plan' is disabled

Check this host

Run this on a machine you are allowed to audit. The scan is read-only.

shell

tmaegis scan --target postgres