Code execution via unverified update installer
Published Feb 9, 2026 · Updated Feb 9, 2026
Improper certificate validation in SumatraPDF 3.5.0 through 3.5.2 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute code via updates. HttpGet() disables TLS hostname matching, while UpdateCheck accepts an unrestricted download URL and launches the retrieved installer without a signature or hash check. Exploitation requires a network interception position, a certificate from a trusted authority, and a user click on the legitimate-looking Install prompt; the payload runs as the current user.
Summary
What happened
Improper certificate validation in SumatraPDF 3.5.0 through 3.5.2 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute code via updates. HttpGet() disables TLS hostname matching, while UpdateCheck accepts an unrestricted download URL and launches the retrieved installer without a signature or hash check. Exploitation requires a network interception position, a certificate from a trusted authority, and a user click on the legitimate-looking Install prompt; the payload runs as the current user.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-25961
- Published
- Feb 9, 2026
- Updated
- Feb 9, 2026
- Vendor
- SumatraPDF
- Product
- SumatraPDF
- Classifications
- CWE-494, CWE-295, T1204.002, T1557
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Feb 9, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 9, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=>= 3.5.0, <= 3.5.2
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- sumatrapdf-update-mitm proof of conceptproof of concept · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
See the directory against your own environment.
Your stack
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