CVE-2017-13056: The launchURL function in PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5 (Build 314.0) might allow remote attackers to execute arbitra

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-13056 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting pdf-xchange viewer. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The launchURL function in PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5 (Build 314.0) might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	5.6% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2017-12-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: tracker-software

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-12-27 17:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

tracker-software pdf-xchange viewer DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.5

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pdf-xchange-viewer || rpm -q pdf-xchange-viewer || pdf-xchange-viewer --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pdf-xchange-viewer sudo apt install pdf-xchange-viewer=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5> sudo apt-mark hold pdf-xchange-viewer

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

dnf --showduplicates list pdf-xchange-viewer sudo dnf downgrade pdf-xchange-viewer-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5> sudo dnf versionlock add pdf-xchange-viewer

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: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5 Build 314.0 - Code Execution

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-2017-13056?

pdf-xchange viewer: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-13056 being exploited?

CVE-2017-13056 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-2017-13056 affect?

CVE-2017-13056 affects pdf-xchange viewer. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The launchURL function in PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5 (Build 314.0) might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.

How urgent is CVE-2017-13056?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2018-6462 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE Tracker PDF-XChange Viewer and Viewer AX SDK before 2.5.322.8 mishandle conversion from YCC to RGB colour spac

References

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