Vulnerability Description
Gotenberg is a Docker-powered stateless API for PDF files. In versions 8.30.1 and earlier, the metadata write endpoint validates metadata keys for control characters but leaves metadata values unsanitized. A newline character in a metadata value splits the ExifTool stdin line into two separate arguments, allowing injection of arbitrary ExifTool pseudo-tags such as -FileName, -Directory, -SymLink, and -HardLink. This is a bypass of the incomplete key-sanitization fix introduced in v8.30.1. An unauthenticated attacker can rename or move any PDF being processed to an arbitrary path in the container filesystem, overwrite arbitrary files, or create symlinks and hard links at arbitrary paths.
CVSS Score
CRITICAL
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Thecodingmachine | Gotenberg | < 8.31.0 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/gotenberg/gotenberg/commit/405f1069c026bb08f319fb5a44e5c67c33Patch
- https://github.com/gotenberg/gotenberg/security/advisories/GHSA-q7r4-hc83-hf2qExploitPatchVendor Advisory
- https://github.com/gotenberg/gotenberg/security/advisories/GHSA-q7r4-hc83-hf2qExploitPatchVendor Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-40281?
CVE-2026-40281 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 10.0 (CRITICAL). Gotenberg is a Docker-powered stateless API for PDF files. In versions 8.30.1 and earlier, the metadata write endpoint validates metadata keys for control characters but leaves metadata values unsanit...
How severe is CVE-2026-40281?
CVE-2026-40281 has been rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 10.0/10. This is considered a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-40281?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Thecodingmachine Gotenberg.