CVE-2020-22336: An issue was discovered in pdfcrack 0.17 thru 0.18, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a stack ove

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-22336 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting pdfcrack. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An issue was discovered in pdfcrack 0.17 thru 0.18, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a stack overflow in the MD5 function.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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	1.2% (top 32%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2023-07-06
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: pdfcrack project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-07-06 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pdfcrack project pdfcrack UPGRADE

Affected: >= 0.17 and < 0.19

Fixed in: 0.19

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.17

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 0.19 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pdfcrack

Note

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

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.17 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pdfcrack sudo apt install pdfcrack=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.17> sudo apt-mark hold pdfcrack

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list pdfcrack sudo dnf downgrade pdfcrack-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.17> sudo dnf versionlock add pdfcrack

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.

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-2020-22336?

pdfcrack: upgrade to 0.19. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-22336 being exploited?

CVE-2020-22336 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-2020-22336 affect?

CVE-2020-22336 affects pdfcrack. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). An issue was discovered in pdfcrack 0.17 thru 0.18, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a stack overflow in the MD5 function.

How urgent is CVE-2020-22336?

Priority 61/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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