ssl_groups

Definition PG 18 manual

Specifies the named group to use for TLS key exchange. It needs to be supported by all clients that connect. Multiple groups can be specified by using a colon-separated list. It does not need to match the key type used by the server certificate. This parameter can only be set in the postgresql.conf file or on the server command line. The default is X25519:prime256v1.

OpenSSL names for the most common groups are: prime256v1 (NIST P-256), secp384r1 (NIST P-384), secp521r1 (NIST P-521). An incomplete list of available groups can be shown with the command openssl ecparam -list_curves. Not all of them are usable with TLS though, and many supported group names and aliases are omitted.

In PostgreSQL versions before 18.0 this setting was named ssl_ecdh_curve and only accepted a single value.

How it works

ssl_groups sets the group(s) to use for Diffie-Hellman key exchange. Multiple groups can be specified using a colon-separated list. PostgreSQL 18 accepts an ordered colon-separated list, replacing the former single ssl_ecdh_curve choice and covering supported key-exchange groups.

ssl_groups is a SIGHUP-context setting: a configuration reload activates the new server value without a restart; subsequent operations that consult it use the refreshed value. Existing TLS sessions are not renegotiated.

It participates in the TLS context used for new handshakes. ssl enables transport, pg_hba.conf decides which connection classes require it, and the certificate, key, CA, revocation, protocol, and cipher settings must form one valid policy.

Operational considerations

Editing ssl_groups without reloading configuration and verifying the effective value and subsequent behavior.

Updating only one TLS file or policy knob and leaving an invalid chain, unreadable key, or incompatible protocol set.

Assuming a reload renegotiates existing sessions; TLS policy changes affect new handshakes.

Changing ssl_groups globally without a rollback plan and a client or operational compatibility test.

Workload guidance

OLAP: Use the same TLS floor for analytical traffic; benchmark only after correctness because bulk transfer may expose CPU cost but is not a reason to accept obsolete protocols.

OLTP: Treat ssl_groups as transport-security policy rather than a performance knob. Follow the organization's TLS baseline and test certificate rotation, reload, and every client class.

SMALL: Keep ssl_groups simple and secure, using managed certificates and library defaults reviewed for the installed OpenSSL version. Rehearse renewal before expiry.