CVE-2026-54530
Description
A flaw was found in pypdf, a pure-python PDF library. An attacker can craft a malicious PDF file that, when processed by a system extracting text in layout mode, can lead to an infinite loop. This vulnerability results in a Denial of Service (DoS), making the affected system unresponsive.
Statement
This Moderate impact flaw in pypdf affects Red Hat products that process untrusted PDF files and extract text in layout mode. An attacker could provide a specially crafted PDF, leading to an infinite loop and a Denial of Service. The vulnerability requires specific processing conditions, contributing to its Moderate severity.
Affected method: extract_text(extraction_mode="layout")
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, avoid processing untrusted PDF files with applications that utilize the pypdf library for text extraction in layout mode. If possible, configure applications to disable text extraction in layout mode or restrict the sources of PDF files to trusted origins.
Update to 6.13.0+ version to fix the vulnerability.
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 Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 5.9 | 5.5 | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Network | Local | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | High | Low | N/A |
| Privileges Required | None | Low | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | None | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | N/A |
| Confidentiality | None | None | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | N/A |
| Availability Impact | High | High | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU); DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory); DoS: Amplification
An infinite loop will cause unexpected consumption of resources, such as CPU cycles or memory. The software's operation may slow down, or cause a long time to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
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