How to Configure RBAC in ParadeDB in PostgreSQL

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How do I set up RBAC in ParadeDB on PostgreSQL?

RBAC in ParadeDB secures vector indexes and search functions with PostgreSQL role-based permissions.

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Description

Example H2

Example H3

Why set up RBAC for ParadeDB?

RBAC prevents unauthorized users from creating, querying, or deleting ParadeDB indexes.It leverages native PostgreSQL roles, so you keep one security model.

Which privileges must be granted?

Users need: ① USAGE on the schema holding vector indexes, ② EXECUTE on ParadeDB search functions, ③ INSERT/UPDATE on tables that store embeddings, and ④ SELECT on any materialized view used for search.

How to create least-privilege roles?

Create a dedicated role (e.g., product_searcher) and grant only the minimum rights required for read-only vector search.Then assign that role to analysts.

How to revoke default PUBLIC access?

PostgreSQL grants EXECUTE on new functions to PUBLIC by default. REVOKE that right first, then grant explicit roles so ParadeDB functions stay private.

How to audit ParadeDB access?

Turn on log_statement=‘ddl’ or pgAudit to record who runs ParadeDB DDL, ensuring you catch unauthorized index drops or re-ingests.

Best practice: use schemas

Place all ParadeDB objects in a paradedb schema. Grant USAGE only to trusted roles.This isolates vector operations from core OLTP data.

Best practice: one service role per app

Give each microservice its own login role and bind it to a limited ParadeDB role. Compromise in one service won’t expose all vector data.

Why How to Configure RBAC in ParadeDB in PostgreSQL is important

How to Configure RBAC in ParadeDB in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Allow analysts to vector-search product names without write access
SET ROLE analyst_role;

SELECT id, name, price
FROM   Products
WHERE  paradedb.search(name, 'wireless headphones', 3) < 0.3
ORDER  BY price;

How to Configure RBAC in ParadeDB in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- 1. Create role for read-only ParadeDB search
CREATE ROLE product_searcher NOLOGIN;

-- 2. Revoke default PUBLIC rights on ParadeDB functions
REVOKE EXECUTE ON ALL FUNCTIONS IN SCHEMA paradedb FROM PUBLIC;

-- 3. Grant minimal privileges
GRANT USAGE               ON SCHEMA paradedb                TO product_searcher;
GRANT EXECUTE             ON FUNCTION paradedb.search       TO product_searcher;
GRANT SELECT              ON TABLE   Products               TO product_searcher;
GRANT SELECT              ON TABLE   Orders                 TO product_searcher;

-- 4. Bind human users or apps
GRANT product_searcher TO analyst_role;

Common Mistakes

Granting EXECUTE on ParadeDB functions to PUBLIC. This exposes vector search to every database user. Always REVOKE first, then explicitly GRANT.
Forgetting USAGE on the ParadeDB schema. Even with function EXECUTE privileges, users can’t call functions without USAGE on the containing schema.