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Qpdf CVE-2018-18020

LOW
Uncontrolled Recursion (CWE-674)
2018-10-06 cve@mitre.org
3.3
CVSS 3.0 · NVD
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Vulnerability Assessment

Weakness
CWE
ASVS 5.0
V15 - Secure Coding and Architecture Recursion depth limits
Impact

CVSS score of 3.3 (LOW). Attack characteristics: local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required. Public proof-of-concept exploit code is available.

Exploit ScenarioDerived

Successful exploitation could compromise the low-severity affected system.

Monitor Track and reassess. Why: LOW severity (CVSS 0.1-3.9).
No patch listed yet 1.3% exploitation probability (EPSS)

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AnalysisAI

In QPDF 8.2.1, in libqpdf/QPDFWriter.cc, QPDFWriter::unparseObject and QPDFWriter::unparseChild have recursive calls for a long time, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.

RemediationAI

No vendor patch is available at time of analysis. Monitor vendor advisories for updates. Apply vendor patches when available. Implement network segmentation and monitoring as interim mitigations.

Affects your stack

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Technical ContextAI · show details

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-674. In QPDF 8.2.1, in libqpdf/QPDFWriter.cc, QPDFWriter::unparseObject and QPDFWriter::unparseChild have recursive calls for a long time, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted PDF file. Affected products include: Qpdf Project Qpdf.

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  • Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources

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Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY 3.3 LOW
AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
None
User Interaction
Required
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
None
Integrity
None
Availability
Low

DescriptionNVD

In QPDF 8.2.1, in libqpdf/QPDFWriter.cc, QPDFWriter::unparseObject and QPDFWriter::unparseChild have recursive calls for a long time, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted PDF file.

Threat Intelligence Overview

EPSS Score
1.3%
Top 33% exploitable
Exploit
POC
Public exploit code exists
Data Quality
3 sources
Confidence: Low

How this decision was reached

The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.

SignalValue
Severity LOW
CISA KEV No
Public POC Yes
EPSS 1.3%
Patch available No
Active threat No
Deciding rule
LOW severity (CVSS 0.1-3.9)
What every action level means
Emergency Immediate action required. Criteria: CRITICAL + in CISA KEV (actively exploited) without patch, OR CRITICAL + EPSS > 30% without patch, OR CRITICAL + active threat signals without patch.
Act Now Prioritize within 24-48h. Criteria: in KEV with patch available, OR CRITICAL + public POC, OR HIGH + EPSS > 10%, OR CRITICAL + active threat, OR any CRITICAL severity.
This Week Schedule remediation this week. Criteria: HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9). Patch within normal change window.
This Month Plan within 30 days. Criteria: MEDIUM severity (CVSS 4.0-6.9), lower exploitation probability. Include in regular patch cycle.
Monitor Track and reassess. Criteria: LOW severity (CVSS 0.1-3.9), minimal exploitation risk. No immediate action needed.

SSVC AssessmentENISA

SSVC Decision· derived
Defer
Exploitation· derived
Poc
System Exposure· derived
Small
Automatable· derived
No
Human Impact· derived
Low

Priority Score

37
Low Medium High Critical
KEV: 0
EPSS: +1
CVSS: +16
PoC: +20
Weaponized: 0
Threat intel: 0
Gov advisory: 0

Attack Technique

Denial of Service attacks render applications or systems unavailable by overwhelming resources or triggering failure conditions.

Affected Products (CPE)NVD

cpe:2.3:a:qpdf_project:qpdf:8.2.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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