CVE-2026-40281

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

2.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-05-06 21:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 10:44 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-05-06 21:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 10:44 UTC

Exploit probability

2.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-88

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Thecodingmachine Gotenberg < 8.31.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 10.0

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

High

Availability

High