Stirling-PDF: Denylist bypass in H2 database import allows Java method execution
Summary
Stirling-PDF versions 2.13.2 through 3.2.0 contain an incomplete denylist in the database import feature. An authenticated administrator can upload a crafted SQL backup that uses H2 CREATE OR REPLACE ALIAS and RUNSCRIPT to define Java function aliases and run Java methods. The denylist bypass has been lab-verified, but the full remote code execution impact is not confirmed.
Affected
- Stirling-PDF 2.13.2 through 3.2.0 (inclusive)
- According to the CVE record, the default configuration is unaffected.
Fixed in
Unknown. No vendor advisory names a fixed release. Version 3.2.1 followed 3.2.0, but no source links it to this CVE, so do not treat it as the fix until the vendor confirms.
Workaround
- Restrict access to the admin interface to VPN or internal networks only.
- Limit admin rights to the fewest necessary accounts and use unique, strong passwords with MFA where supported.
- Disable or avoid the database import feature where it is not needed.
- Investigate any unexpected backup or import as a possible compromise of the database layer.
Exploitation
- Not known to be exploited in the wild; not listed in CISA KEV.
- Public proof of concept available from Abraxas Labs.
- CISA SSVC: exploitation poc, automatable no, technical impact total.
- The denylist bypass is lab-verified. Full remote code execution is inferred and unverified.
Our recommendation
- Check whether Stirling-PDF is deployed in versions 2.13.2 to 3.2.0 and whether it is reachable from the internet.
- Remove internet exposure of the admin interface and enforce VPN or internal-only access.
- Review admin accounts, enforce strong passwords and MFA, and remove unnecessary admin rights.
- Disable the database import feature if it is not required.
- Monitor for unexpected database imports or backup changes.
- Ask the vendor or check the GitHub security advisories for a confirmed fixed version and update as soon as one is available.
- Patch CVE-2026-113606 (authorization bypass in 3.0.0 to 3.2.0) at the same time.
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- VulnCheck advisory: Stirling-PDF H2 SQL denylist bypass www.vulncheck.com
- Stirling-PDF DatabaseService.java (v3.2.0) github.com
- Abraxas Labs: H2 import leftover research abraxaslabs.tech
- Abraxas Labs: Stirling-PDF 3.2.0 leftovers abraxaslabs.tech
- Abraxas Labs proof-of-concept repository github.com
- OpenCVE: CVE-2026-113605 app.opencve.io
- VulDB entry 422876 vuldb.com
- HOL Guard: CVE-2026-113605 hol.org
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 1 Nov 2026, 07:36.
Original description (NVD)
Stirling-PDF from 2.13.2 through 3.2.0 contains an incomplete denylist in DatabaseService.validateSqlContent() that allows administrators to bypass H2 import restrictions using CREATE OR REPLACE ALIAS. Authenticated administrators can upload a crafted SQL backup to the import-database endpoint, where RUNSCRIPT defines H2 Java function aliases and restores Java-method execution.
NVD references (5)
- https://abraxaslabs.tech/research/stirling-h2-import-leftover
- https://abraxaslabs.tech/research/stirling-pdf-3.2.0-leftovers
- https://github.com/Stirling-Tools/Stirling-PDF/blob/v3.2.0/app/proprietary/src/main/java/stirling/software/pr…
- https://github.com/abraxas/stirling-h2-import-leftover
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/stirling-pdf-2.13.2-through-3.2.0-h2-sql-denylist-bypass-via-import-data…
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
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