CVE-2026-102998: pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-102998?

pypdf: upgrade to 6.19.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-102998 being exploited?

CVE-2026-102998 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-2026-102998 affect?

CVE-2026-102998 affects pypdf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. Prior to 6.19.0, a crafted PDF with form field values can cause pypdf/generic/_appearance_stream.py appearance-stream generation to repeat invariant selection-data work inside a loop

Q: How urgent is CVE-2026-102998?

Priority 38/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Routine

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-102998 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting pypdf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. Prior to 6.19.0, a crafted PDF with form field values can cause pypdf/generic/_appearance_stream.py appearance-stream generation to repeat invariant selection-data work inside a loop when an application updates fields with flattening enabled, resulting in excessive runtimes and application unavailability. This issue is fixed in version 6.19.0.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 73%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-400
Published	2026-09-30
Last modified	2026-10-05

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: pypdf project

Last updated 2026-10-05 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-09-30 21:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-05 15:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pypdf project pypdf UPGRADE

Affected: < 6.19.0

Fixed in: 6.19.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 6.19.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pypdf

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-2026-102998?

pypdf: upgrade to 6.19.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-102998 being exploited?

CVE-2026-102998 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-2026-102998 affect?

CVE-2026-102998 affects pypdf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). pypdf is a free and open-source pure-python PDF library. Prior to 6.19.0, a crafted PDF with form field values can cause pypdf/generic/_appearance_stream.py appearance-stream generation to repeat invariant selection-data work inside a loop

How urgent is CVE-2026-102998?

Priority 38/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities

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References

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