CVE-2012-4914: Stack-based buffer overflow in the reader in CoolPDF 3.0.2.256 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary co

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HIGH 9.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-4914 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting coolpdf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the reader in CoolPDF 3.0.2.256 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PDF document with a crafted stream.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	28.4% (top 2%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2013-01-26
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Flexera Software LLC · Vendor: coolpdf

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2013-01-26 23:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:45 UTCUpdated Record last modified

coolpdf coolpdf DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.0.2.256

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.0.2.256

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy coolpdf || rpm -q coolpdf || coolpdf --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.0.2.256 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison coolpdf sudo apt install coolpdf=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0.2.256> sudo apt-mark hold coolpdf

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list coolpdf sudo dnf downgrade coolpdf-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0.2.256> sudo dnf versionlock add coolpdf

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Cool PDF Reader 3.0.2.256 - Buffer Overflow
Exploit-DB: Cool PDF Image Stream - Remote Buffer Overflow (Metasploit)
Metasploit: Cool PDF Image Stream Buffer Overflow

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2012-4914?

coolpdf: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2012-4914 being exploited?

CVE-2012-4914 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2012-4914 affect?

CVE-2012-4914 affects coolpdf. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). Stack-based buffer overflow in the reader in CoolPDF 3.0.2.256 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PDF document with a crafted stream.

How urgent is CVE-2012-4914?

Priority 62/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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