CVE-2023-46250: py-pdf pypdf Infinite Loop

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2023-46250 is a medium (CVSS 5.5) Infinite Loop vulnerability in py-pdf pypdf. EPSS estimates a 0.24% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 14.5% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 31-10-2023
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 05-09-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. An attacker who uses a vulnerability present in versions 3.7.0 through 3.16.4 can craft a PDF which leads to an infinite loop. This infinite loop blocks the current process and can utilize a single core of the CPU by 100%. It does not affect memory usage. That is, for example, the case when the pypdf-user manipulates an incoming malicious PDF e.g. by merging it with another PDF or by adding annotations. The issue was fixed in version 3.17.0. As a workaround, apply the patch manually by modifying `pypdf/generic/_data_structures.py`.

• CWE-835Loop with Unreachable Exit Condition ('Infinite Loop')The product contains an iteration or loop with an exit condition that cannot be reached, i.e., an infinite loop.