CVE-2024-8842: PDF-XChange Editor RTF File Parsing Uninitialized Variable Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2024-8842 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting pdf-tools, pdf-xchange editor. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PDF-XChange Editor RTF File Parsing Uninitialized Variable Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of PDF-XChange Editor. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of RTF files. The issue results from the lack of proper ini

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 68%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-457, CWE-908
Published	2024-11-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Zero Day Initiative · Vendor: pdf-xchange

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-11-22 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 08:23 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pdf-xchange pdf-tools UPGRADE

Affected: >= 10.3.0.386 and < 10.4.0.388

Fixed in: 10.4.0.388

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.3.0.386

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pdf-tools || rpm -q pdf-tools || pdf-tools --version

2. UPGRADE to 10.4.0.388 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pdf-tools

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pdf-tools

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 10.3.0.386 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pdf-tools sudo apt install pdf-tools=<VERSION_BEFORE_10.3.0.386> sudo apt-mark hold pdf-tools

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

dnf --showduplicates list pdf-tools sudo dnf downgrade pdf-tools-<VERSION_BEFORE_10.3.0.386> sudo dnf versionlock add pdf-tools

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.

pdf-xchange pdf-xchange editor UPGRADE

Affected: >= 10.3.0.386 and < 10.4.0.388

Fixed in: 10.4.0.388

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.3.0.386

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 10.4.0.388 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pdf-xchange-editor

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pdf-xchange-editor

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 10.3.0.386 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pdf-xchange-editor sudo apt install pdf-xchange-editor=<VERSION_BEFORE_10.3.0.386> sudo apt-mark hold pdf-xchange-editor

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

dnf --showduplicates list pdf-xchange-editor sudo dnf downgrade pdf-xchange-editor-<VERSION_BEFORE_10.3.0.386> sudo dnf versionlock add pdf-xchange-editor

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-2024-8842?

pdf-tools: upgrade to 10.4.0.388; pdf-xchange editor: upgrade to 10.4.0.388. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-8842 being exploited?

CVE-2024-8842 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-2024-8842 affect?

CVE-2024-8842 affects pdf-tools, pdf-xchange editor. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). PDF-XChange Editor RTF File Parsing Uninitialized Variable Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of PDF-XChange Editor. User interaction is requir

How urgent is CVE-2024-8842?

Priority 35/100. High severity

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References

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