CVE-2020-9418: An untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of PDFescape Desktop version 4.0.22 and earlier allows

Q: How do I fix CVE-2020-9418?

pdfescape: upgrade to newer than 4.0.22. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2020-9418 being exploited?

CVE-2020-9418 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-2020-9418 affect?

CVE-2020-9418 affects pdfescape. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of PDFescape Desktop version 4.0.22 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges and execute code via DLL hijacking.

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2020-9418 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting pdfescape. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of PDFescape Desktop version 4.0.22 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges and execute code via DLL hijacking.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 63%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-426
Published	2020-03-05
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: redsoftware

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-03-05 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:27 UTCUpdated Record last modified

redsoftware pdfescape UPGRADE

Affected: <= 4.0.22

Fixed in: newer than 4.0.22

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.0.22 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pdfescape

Note

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

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-2020-9418?

pdfescape: upgrade to newer than 4.0.22. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-9418 being exploited?

CVE-2020-9418 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-2020-9418 affect?

CVE-2020-9418 affects pdfescape. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of PDFescape Desktop version 4.0.22 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges and execute code via DLL hijacking.

How urgent is CVE-2020-9418?

Priority 37/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-30350 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Avanquest Software RAD PDF (PDFEscape Online) 3.19.2.2 is vulnerable to Information Leak / Disclosure

References

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