pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. Prior to 6.19.0, a crafted PDF containing many embedded files can cause the dictionary-based attachments API in pypdf/_doc_common.py to reparse the full attachment list for each content lookup, producing repeated work and long runtimes when an application accesses the embedded-file mapping. This issue is fixed in version 6.19.0.
Weakness
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
Affected Software
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pypdf | Pypdf_project | * | 6.19.0 (excluding) |
| Pypdf | Ubuntu | upstream | * |
Potential Mitigations
Mitigation of resource exhaustion attacks requires that the target system either:
The first of these solutions is an issue in itself though, since it may allow attackers to prevent the use of the system by a particular valid user. If the attacker impersonates the valid user, they may be able to prevent the user from accessing the server in question.
The second solution is simply difficult to effectively institute – and even when properly done, it does not provide a full solution. It simply makes the attack require more resources on the part of the attacker.
Related Attack Patterns
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/147.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/227.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/492.html