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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-113605 Stirling-Tools CVE debrief

CVE-2026-113605 is a high-severity vulnerability in Stirling-PDF versions 2.13.2 through 3.2.0. An authenticated administrator can bypass H2 import restrictions using a crafted SQL backup, allowing for Java-method execution. Defenders should assess exposure, prioritize remediation, and verify affected versions. The vulnerability exists in DatabaseService.validateSqlContent() and allows administrators to bypass H2 import restrictions using CREATE OR REPLACE ALIAS. This could lead to potential Java-method execution and elevation of administrator privileges.

Vendor
Stirling-Tools
Product
Stirling-PDF
CVSS
HIGH 8.6
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-10-20
Original CVE updated
2026-10-20
Advisory published
2026-10-20
Advisory updated
2026-10-20

Who should care

Defenders responsible for Stirling-PDF installations, administrators with access to the import-database endpoint, and security teams assessing exposure and prioritizing remediation.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-113605 is a high-severity vulnerability in Stirling-PDF that allows authenticated administrators to bypass H2 import restrictions, potentially leading to Java-method execution. Defenders should assess exposure, prioritize remediation, and verify affected versions.

  • Potential Java-method execution
  • Bypass of H2 import restrictions
  • Elevation of administrator privileges
  • Possible data tampering or unauthorized access

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in DatabaseService.validateSqlContent() and 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, potentially leading to Java-method execution. This could result in elevation of administrator privileges, possible data tampering, or unauthorized access. Defenders should assess exposure, prioritize remediation, and verify affected versions to mitigate potential risks. The vulnerability has a high severity score and requires immediate attention.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Assess exposure of Stirling-PDF installations
  • Verify affected versions (2.13.2 through 3.2.0)
  • Prioritize remediation for authenticated administrator access
  • Monitor for potential Java-method execution attempts
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source item provide details on the vulnerability, affected versions, and potential impact. However, additional information on exploitation, victims, or specific business impact is limited.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-113605 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-113605

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-113605 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-113605

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Stirling-PDF 2.13.2 through 3.2.0 H2 SQL Denylist Bypass via import-database

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/113xxx/CVE-2026-113605.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://github.com/abraxas/stirling-h2-import-leftover

    Supplemental source - exploit, technical-description

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://abraxaslabs.tech/research/stirling-h2-import-leftover

    Supplemental source - technical-description

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://abraxaslabs.tech/research/stirling-pdf-3.2.0-leftovers

    Supplemental source - technical-description

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://github.com/Stirling-Tools/Stirling-PDF/blob/v3.2.0/app/proprietary/src/main/java/stirling/software/proprietary/security/service/DatabaseService.java

    Supplemental source - technical-description

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/stirling-pdf-2.13.2-through-3.2.0-h2-sql-denylist-bypass-via-import-database

    Supplemental source - third-party-advisory

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.