Pypdf2: Prior to 6.12.1, an attacker who uses this vulnerability can craft a PDF which leads to large memory usage. (CVE-2026-48735)
Description
Pypdf2 versions prior to 6.12.1 contain a vulnerability where crafted PDF files with large XMP metadata can cause excessive memory usage. This issue is fixed in version 6.12.1. The vulnerability has a medium severity rating with a CVSS score of 5.5.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.5medium
Affected software
pkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf2?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/xenialpkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf2?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/bionicpkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf2?arch=source&distro=focalpkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf2?arch=source&distro=jammypkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf?arch=source&distro=noblepkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf2?arch=source&distro=noblepkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf?arch=source&distro=questingpkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf?arch=source&distro=stonkingpkg:deb/ubuntu/pypdf?arch=source&distro=resoluteRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
Pypdf2, a pure-Python PDF library, has a vulnerability in versions before 6.12.1 that allows an attacker to craft a PDF containing large or complex XMP metadata. When such a PDF is parsed, it can lead to excessive memory consumption. This vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or integrity but impacts availability by causing high memory usage. The issue is resolved in version 6.12.1.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause large memory usage when parsing maliciously crafted PDFs with extensive XMP metadata. This can degrade system performance or cause denial of service due to resource exhaustion. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to pypdf2 version 6.12.1 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigation is indicated.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- UBUNTU-CVE-2026-48735
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.0
- Ecosystems
- ["Ubuntu:Pro:16.04:LTS","Ubuntu:Pro:18.04:LTS","Ubuntu:20.04:LTS","Ubuntu:22.04:LTS","Ubuntu:24.04:LTS","Ubuntu:25.10","Ubuntu:26.10","Ubuntu:26.04:LTS"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6ad3f61f2cdf04f656664278
Added to database: 10/17/2026, 22:26:39 UTC
Last enriched: 10/18/2026, 01:06:04 UTC
Last updated: 10/18/2026, 01:06:04 UTC
Views: 3
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.