CVE-2023-36464

What it is

pypdf is an open source, pure-python PDF library. In affected versions an attacker may craft a PDF which leads to an infinite loop if `__parse_content_stream` is executed. That is, for example, the case if the user extracted text from such a PDF. This issue was introduced in pull request #969 and resolved in pull request #1828. Users are advised to upgrade. Users unable to upgrade may modify the line `while peek not in (b"\r", b"\n")` in `pypdf/generic/_data_structures.py` to `while peek not in (b"\r", b"\n", b"")`.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2023-06-27 22:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-11-02 16:06 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.2 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-06-27 22:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-11-02 16:06 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-835

Record status

Modified

Affected

• py-pdf Pypdf < 3.9.0
• pypdf2 Project pypdf2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.2

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-36464.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-36464. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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