CVE-2019-19450: paraparser in ReportLab before 3.5.31 allows remote code execution because start_unichar in paraparser.py eval

Q: How do I fix CVE-2019-19450?

reportlab: upgrade to 3.5.31; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2019-19450 being exploited?

CVE-2019-19450 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2019-19450 affect?

CVE-2019-19450 affects reportlab, debian linux. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). paraparser in ReportLab before 3.5.31 allows remote code execution because start_unichar in paraparser.py evaluates untrusted user input in a unichar element in a crafted XML document with '<unichar code="' followed by arbitrary Python code

Q: How urgent is CVE-2019-19450?

Priority 68/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2019-19450 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting reportlab, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

paraparser in ReportLab before 3.5.31 allows remote code execution because start_unichar in paraparser.py evaluates untrusted user input in a unichar element in a crafted XML document with '<unichar code="' followed by arbitrary Python code, a similar issue to CVE-2019-17626.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	6.0% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-91
Published	2023-09-20
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · reportlab

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-09-20 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:26 UTCUpdated Record last modified

reportlab reportlab UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.5.31

Fixed in: 3.5.31

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 3.5.31 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade reportlab

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade reportlab

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 10.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2019-19450?

reportlab: upgrade to 3.5.31; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-19450 being exploited?

CVE-2019-19450 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-2019-19450 affect?

CVE-2019-19450 affects reportlab, debian linux. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). paraparser in ReportLab before 3.5.31 allows remote code execution because start_unichar in paraparser.py evaluates untrusted user input in a unichar element in a crafted XML document with '<unichar code="' followed by arbitrary Python code

How urgent is CVE-2019-19450?

Priority 68/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-33733 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Reportlab up to v3.6.12 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via supplying a crafted PDF file.

References

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