CVE-2026-16766: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in RRWO Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf
Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf versions before 0.6.1 for Perl contain a shell command injection vulnerability due to improper sanitization of PDF render options passed to the wkhtmltopdf command. User-controlled options such as page_size, orientation, or margins can be exploited to execute arbitrary OS commands. Version 0.6.0 included an incomplete fix. The underlying wkhtmltopdf project is no longer maintained, and users are advised to migrate to alternative solutions.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf (CVE-2026-16766) arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands (CWE-78). Specifically, PDF render options are passed directly to the wkhtmltopdf command without proper sanitization, enabling remote code execution via shell command injection. Versions prior to 0.6.1 are affected, with version 0.6.0 containing an incomplete remediation. The vendor has not provided an official patch or advisory, and the upstream wkhtmltopdf project is no longer maintained, increasing the risk for users relying on this package.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the host running the vulnerable Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf module. This can lead to full system compromise depending on the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability affects any web application that passes unsanitized user input to PDF rendering options, potentially enabling remote code execution.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should upgrade to Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf version 0.6.1 or later, which addresses this vulnerability. Since version 0.6.0 contained only an incomplete fix and no official patch beyond 0.6.1 is indicated, migrating to alternative PDF rendering solutions is strongly recommended due to the upstream wkhtmltopdf project's end of development. Until migration or upgrade, avoid passing user-controlled input directly to PDF render options without strict validation and sanitization.
CVE-2026-16766: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in RRWO Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf
Description
Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf versions before 0.6.1 for Perl contain a shell command injection vulnerability due to improper sanitization of PDF render options passed to the wkhtmltopdf command. User-controlled options such as page_size, orientation, or margins can be exploited to execute arbitrary OS commands. Version 0.6.0 included an incomplete fix. The underlying wkhtmltopdf project is no longer maintained, and users are advised to migrate to alternative solutions.
Affected software
pkg:github/Catalyst-View-WkhtmltopdfRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf (CVE-2026-16766) arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands (CWE-78). Specifically, PDF render options are passed directly to the wkhtmltopdf command without proper sanitization, enabling remote code execution via shell command injection. Versions prior to 0.6.1 are affected, with version 0.6.0 containing an incomplete remediation. The vendor has not provided an official patch or advisory, and the upstream wkhtmltopdf project is no longer maintained, increasing the risk for users relying on this package.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the host running the vulnerable Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf module. This can lead to full system compromise depending on the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability affects any web application that passes unsanitized user input to PDF rendering options, potentially enabling remote code execution.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should upgrade to Catalyst::View::Wkhtmltopdf version 0.6.1 or later, which addresses this vulnerability. Since version 0.6.0 contained only an incomplete fix and no official patch beyond 0.6.1 is indicated, migrating to alternative PDF rendering solutions is strongly recommended due to the upstream wkhtmltopdf project's end of development. Until migration or upgrade, avoid passing user-controlled input directly to PDF render options without strict validation and sanitization.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- CPANSec
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-23T14:17:40.588Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a6475dc9c2644c7f8160fd5
Added to database: 07/25/2026, 08:37:48 UTC
Last enriched: 07/25/2026, 08:52:01 UTC
Last updated: 07/25/2026, 13:03:13 UTC
Views: 40
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