CVE-2026-42589

Gotenberg is a Docker-powered stateless API for PDF files. Prior to 8.31.0, Gotenberg's /forms/pdfengines/metadata/write HTTP endpoint accepts a JSON metadata object and passes its keys directly to ExifTool via the go-exiftool library. No validation is performed on key characters. A \n embedded in a JSON key splits the ExifTool stdin stream into a new argument line, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary ExifTool flags — including -if, which evaluates Perl expressions. This achieves unauthenticated OS command execution in a single HTTP request. The response is HTTP 200 with a valid PDF, making the attack transparent to basic monitoring. This vulnerability is fixed in 8.31.0.
Configurations

Configuration 1 (hide)

cpe:2.3:a:thecodingmachine:gotenberg:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

History

18 May 2026, 13:01

Type Values Removed Values Added
CPE cpe:2.3:a:thecodingmachine:gotenberg:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
First Time Thecodingmachine gotenberg
Thecodingmachine
References () https://github.com/gotenberg/gotenberg/security/advisories/GHSA-rqgh-gxv4-6657 - () https://github.com/gotenberg/gotenberg/security/advisories/GHSA-rqgh-gxv4-6657 - Exploit, Mitigation, Vendor Advisory

14 May 2026, 20:17

Type Values Removed Values Added
References () https://github.com/gotenberg/gotenberg/security/advisories/GHSA-rqgh-gxv4-6657 - () https://github.com/gotenberg/gotenberg/security/advisories/GHSA-rqgh-gxv4-6657 -

14 May 2026, 16:16

Type Values Removed Values Added
New CVE

Information

Published : 2026-05-14 16:16

Updated : 2026-05-18 13:01


NVD link : CVE-2026-42589

Mitre link : CVE-2026-42589

CVE.ORG link : CVE-2026-42589


JSON object : View

Products Affected

thecodingmachine

  • gotenberg
CWE
CWE-78

Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')