CVE-2026-48156

Description

A flaw was found in pypdf, a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF file. This file, containing specific cross-reference streams with /W [0 0 0] values and large /Size values, can lead to excessively long processing times. This can result in a Denial of Service (DoS) for applications processing such PDFs.

Statement

This flaw has a Low impact. Red Hat products that process PDF files using the pypdf library are vulnerable to a denial of service. An attacker could provide a specially crafted PDF, causing applications to experience prolonged processing times and potential resource exhaustion. This risk is limited to scenarios where untrusted PDF content is handled.

Mitigation

Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.

Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details

Info alert:Important note

CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).

The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.

CVSS v3 Score Breakdown

Red HatNVDcve.org
Base Score3.33.3N/A
Attack VectorLocalLocalN/A
Attack ComplexityLowLowN/A
Privileges RequiredNoneNoneN/A
User InteractionRequiredRequiredN/A
ScopeUnchangedUnchangedN/A
ConfidentialityNoneNoneN/A
Integrity ImpactNoneNoneN/A
Availability ImpactLowLowN/A

Vector

Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L

NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Availability

Technical Impact: DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU)

Frequently Asked Questions

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