CVE-2025-14420 pdfforge PDF Architect CBZ File Parsing Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High 7.8 Published 23 Dec 2025 Updated 31 Dec 2025

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious CBZ files in PDF Architect due to improper path validation.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2025-14420?

CVE-2025-14420 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in pdfforge PDF Architect, published on 23 Dec 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

pdfforge PDF Architect CBZ File Parsing Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of pdfforge PDF Architect. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the parsing of CBZ files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user. Was ZDI-CAN-27514.

Weakness: CWE-22

Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-14420?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Pdfforge Pdf Architect.

How do I fix CVE-2025-14420?

No fix has been published for CVE-2025-14420 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.

Is CVE-2025-14420 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-14420 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-jvh4-993v-c3gr.