CVE-2026-113794
pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. Prior to 6.20.0, an attacker can craft an incomplete PDF that ends inside a standard cross-reference table, causing pypdf to mishandle the unexpected end of file and enter an infinite loop. This issue is fixed in version 6.20.0.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. Prior to 6.20.0, an attacker can craft an incomplete PDF that ends inside a standard cross-reference table, causing pypdf to mishandle the unexpected end of file and enter an infinite loop. This issue is fixed in version 6.20.0. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Moderate Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:P/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-835Affected products and versions
Products below are parsed from NVD vulnerable CPE configuration entries. Version boundaries are shown as published; verify applicability with the vendor.
| Vendor | Product | Version evidence |
|---|---|---|
| py-pdf | pypdf | before 6.20.0 |
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://github.com/py-pdf/pypdf/commit/37e1cd681744bac38b159f7e1c614eee8d639c58 PATCH security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/py-pdf/pypdf/issues/4169 PATCH security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/py-pdf/pypdf/pull/4170 PATCH security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/py-pdf/pypdf/releases/tag/6.20.0 VENDOR security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/py-pdf/pypdf/security/advisories/GHSA-39mj-jf6j-2qj3 ADVISORY security-advisories@github.com