How to diagnose and fix the 2F003 prohibited_sql_statement_attempted error code in Postgres.

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The 2F003 error code in PostgreSQL corresponds to prohibited_sql_statement_attempted. This error occurs when an SQL statement is attempted that is not allowed in the current context, particularly within a function or trigger that is declared as SECURITY DEFINER and is attempting to execute an operation that is restricted.

Here’s how to approach diagnosing and fixing this error:

  1. Understand the Context:
  • Review the context in which the error occurred. This error is typically related to the execution of an SQL statement within a function or trigger that has certain security restrictions.
  1. Review the Function or Trigger Definition:
  • Check the function or trigger where the error is thrown for any statements that might be prohibited. For example, a function defined with SECURITY DEFINER will run with the privileges of the user who defined it, not the user who invokes it. Certain operations, like transaction control statements (COMMIT, ROLLBACK) or operations that modify the database schema, may be restricted within this context.
  1. Modify the Function or Trigger:
  • Alter the function or trigger to remove or modify the prohibited statements. Ensure that the function or trigger body only contains statements that are allowed in its security context. Example 1: Removing Prohibited Statements from a SECURITY DEFINER Function
   -- Assuming 'my_function' is causing the error because it contains a prohibited statement
   CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION my_function() RETURNS void AS $$
   BEGIN
     -- Prohibited statement example: COMMIT;
     -- Instead of using COMMIT, structure your function to avoid needing transaction control
     -- Perform allowed operations here
   END;
   $$ LANGUAGE plpgsql SECURITY DEFINER;

Example 2: Changing the Security Context

   -- If the function needs to execute statements that are not allowed under SECURITY DEFINER,
   -- you might need to remove the SECURITY DEFINER attribute
   CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION my_function() RETURNS void AS $$
   BEGIN
     -- Perform operations that were previously prohibited
   END;
   $$ LANGUAGE plpgsql;
  1. Test the Changes:
  • After making changes to the function or trigger, test it to ensure that the 2F003 error no longer occurs and that the function or trigger behaves as expected.
  1. Review Security Implications:
  • When modifying the security context of a function or trigger, consider the security implications. Removing SECURITY DEFINER can reduce the risk of privilege escalation but may also prevent the function or trigger from performing necessary operations if the invoker does not have the required privileges.
  1. Ensure Proper Privilege Management:
  • If the function or trigger must run with elevated privileges, ensure that it only contains the necessary statements and that all security concerns are addressed to prevent misuse.

By carefully reviewing and modifying the function or trigger that is causing the 2F003 error, you can resolve the issue while maintaining the security and integrity of your database.

For more information on writing secure functions in PostgreSQL, you can refer to the official PostgreSQL documentation on writing SECURITY DEFINER functions.

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