CVE-2026-44017: Docling: Unsafe Zip Extraction in EasyOCR Model Download
Impact In versions < 2.91.0, The EasyOCR model download functionality extracted ZIP archives without validating member paths, enabling Zip Slip attacks. If an attacker could compromise the model download source (via supply chain attack, DNS spoofing, or MITM), they could write arbitrary files to any location writable by the process, potentially achieving: - Remote code execution by overwriting Python files or system binaries - Persistent backdoors by modifying startup scripts or SSH keys - Data corruption or system compromise
Patches Fixed in version 2.91.0. The extraction process now validates each archive member path using os.path.realpath() to ensure it remains within the target directory, raising a SecurityError for any path traversal attempts.
Workarounds Ensure model downloads occur over secure, authenticated channels. Use integrity verification (checksums) for downloaded models. Run the application with minimal file system permissions.
References - Fix release: v2.91.0
Other sources
Docling simplifies document processing by parsing diverse formats and providing integrations with the generative AI ecosystem. Prior to 2.91.0, the EasyOCR model download functionality extracted ZIP archives without validating member paths, enabling Zip Slip attacks. If an attacker could compromise the model download source (via supply chain attack, DNS spoofing, or MITM), they could write arbitrary files to any location writable by the process, potentially achieving remote code execution by overwriting Python files or system binaries, persistent backdoors by modifying startup scripts or SSH keys, and data corruption or system compromise. This vulnerability is fixed in 2.91.0.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/doclingto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.91.0 - Upgrade
Upgrade
doclingto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.91.0 - Compensating control
Ensure model downloads occur over secure, authenticated channels.
- Compensating control
Run the application with minimal file system permissions.
- Compensating control
Use integrity verification (checksums) for downloaded models.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-44017?
CVE-2026-44017 has a severity rating of high with a score of 7.5.
What impact does CVE-2026-44017 have?
CVE-2026-44017 allows attackers to perform Zip Slip attacks by extracting ZIP archives without validating member paths.
How can I mitigate CVE-2026-44017?
To mitigate CVE-2026-44017, upgrade to versions 2.91.0 or higher of the affected software.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-44017?
Users of EasyOCR in versions lower than 2.91.0 are vulnerable to CVE-2026-44017.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-44017?
CVE-2026-44017 is categorized as a Path Traversal vulnerability.