CVE-2026-119204
pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. Prior to 6.21.4, pypdf can consume excessive memory while parsing a crafted PDF page tree containing many shared resources. Page-tree flattening copies page dictionary and inherited resource entries without a document-wide entry budget, allowing the crafted resource structure to cause disproportionate allocations. This issue is fixed in version 6.21.4.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. Prior to 6.21.4, pypdf can consume excessive memory while parsing a crafted PDF page tree containing many shared resources. Page-tree flattening copies page dictionary and inherited resource entries without a document-wide entry budget, allowing the crafted resource structure to cause disproportionate allocations. This issue is fixed in version 6.21.4. 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:N/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-400Affected 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 6.21.4 |
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/ea4ac663133f1b3de1d7a8f2e6fa239802fde79e PATCH security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/py-pdf/pypdf/pull/4290 PATCH security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/py-pdf/pypdf/releases/tag/6.21.4 VENDOR security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/py-pdf/pypdf/security/advisories/GHSA-cggf-277g-3q54 PATCH security-advisories@github.com