CVE-2025-14420: pdfforge pdf_architect Path Traversal

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2025-14420 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Path Traversal vulnerability in pdfforge pdf_architect. EPSS estimates a 0.45% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 38% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 23-12-2025
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 31-12-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

pdfforge PDF Architect CBZ File Parsing Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of pdfforge PDF Architect. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of CBZ files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user. Was ZDI-CAN-27514.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.