CVE-2022-38236: XPDF commit ffaf11c was discovered to contain a global-buffer overflow via Lexer::getObj(Object*) at /xpdf/Lex

Routine

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2022-38236 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting xpdf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

XPDF commit ffaf11c was discovered to contain a global-buffer overflow via Lexer::getObj(Object*) at /xpdf/Lexer.cc.

Why this priority

High severity
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	0.3% (top 73%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-120
Published	2022-08-16
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xpdf project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-08-16 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xpdf project xpdf DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.04

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.04

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.04 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xpdf sudo apt install xpdf=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.04> sudo apt-mark hold xpdf

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

dnf --showduplicates list xpdf sudo dnf downgrade xpdf-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.04> sudo dnf versionlock add xpdf

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-2022-38236?

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

Is CVE-2022-38236 being exploited?

CVE-2022-38236 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-2022-38236 affect?

CVE-2022-38236 affects xpdf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). XPDF commit ffaf11c was discovered to contain a global-buffer overflow via Lexer::getObj(Object*) at /xpdf/Lexer.cc.

How urgent is CVE-2022-38236?

Priority 39/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

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References

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