CVE-2026-54078 in validation
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2026
veraPDF validation model is an implementation of the veraPDF validation model. From 1.25.73 until 1.30.2 and 1.31.71, veraPDF-validation contains an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in validation-model/src/main/java/org/verapdf/gf/model/tools/DictionaryKeysHelper.java in getRichTextStringOrStreamEntryStringRepresentation(), where a crafted PDF containing a malicious rich-text /RC or /RV entry can cause external entity expansion and reflect local file contents into the validation report. This issue is fixed in versions 1.30.2 and 1.31.71.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2026
The veraPDF validation model represents a critical security vulnerability classified as XML External Entity (XXE) flaw within the validation-model component of the veraPDF software suite. This vulnerability exists specifically in the DictionaryKeysHelper.java file at line getRichTextStringOrStreamEntryStringRepresentation(), where the application fails to properly sanitize input from PDF documents containing malicious rich-text entries. The flaw affects versions ranging from 1.25.73 through 1.30.2 and 1.31.71, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by adversaries crafting specially formatted PDF files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of XML parsing within the rich-text /RC or /RV entries found in PDF documents. When the validation model processes these entries, it fails to disable external entity resolution, allowing attackers to inject malicious XML entities that can reference local files on the system. This occurs because the application's XML parser configuration does not properly restrict access to external resources, enabling the expansion of entities that can read and reflect file contents into the validation output. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entity references.
The operational impact of this XXE vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential attack surface for local file access and system reconnaissance. An attacker could exploit this flaw by crafting PDF documents containing malicious rich-text entries that reference sensitive local files such as configuration files, system logs, or credential storage locations. The reflected content from these files would then appear in the validation report generated by veraPDF, potentially exposing confidential information to unauthorized parties. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories and could facilitate further attacks through information gathering.
Mitigation strategies for this XXE vulnerability require immediate implementation of version updates to 1.30.2 or 1.31.71 where the fix has been applied. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as configuring XML parsers to disable external entity resolution entirely, implementing network segmentation to limit access to validation systems, and conducting regular security assessments of PDF processing workflows. Organizations relying on veraPDF for PDF validation should perform comprehensive testing to ensure that their systems are properly patched and that no legacy installations remain vulnerable to this specific XXE attack vector that could compromise system integrity and data confidentiality.