CVE-2026-30291: Ora Tools PDF Reader RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-30291 Overview

An arbitrary file overwrite vulnerability exists in Ora Tools PDF Reader & Editor APP version 4.3.5. This vulnerability allows attackers to overwrite critical internal files via the file import process, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or information exposure on affected Android devices.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit the file import functionality to overwrite application files, enabling arbitrary code execution or unauthorized access to sensitive data stored by the application.

Affected Products

• Ora Tools PDF Reader & Editor APP v4.3.5
• Android devices running the vulnerable application version

Discovery Timeline

• April 1, 2026 - CVE-2026-30291 published to NVD
• April 1, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-30291

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path), which describes a condition where the application allows external input to control file system paths without proper validation. In the context of Ora Tools PDF Reader, the file import functionality fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied file paths, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary file locations within the application's sandbox.

The local attack vector means an attacker needs some level of access to the device, but no privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability. The impact is substantial, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application and potentially the device.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-30291 lies in improper input validation within the file import mechanism of the PDF Reader application. When users import files, the application does not sufficiently validate or sanitize the file path or name, allowing path traversal sequences or direct file path specification. This enables an attacker to write malicious content to locations outside the intended import directory, including critical application configuration files, shared libraries, or data stores.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability requires local access to the device where Ora Tools PDF Reader is installed. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious file with a specially constructed filename or by manipulating the import process to specify a target path for the file write operation.

The attack could be performed through several methods:

• A malicious application on the same device could interact with the PDF Reader's import functionality
• A user could be socially engineered into importing a specially crafted file
• An attacker with physical access could directly manipulate the import process

Once exploited, the attacker can overwrite critical application files, potentially achieving code execution when the application loads the modified files, or expose sensitive information by overwriting configuration files with attacker-controlled content.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-30291

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected modifications to application files within the Ora Tools PDF Reader data directory
• Presence of suspicious or unexpected files in the application's private storage
• Application crashes or abnormal behavior following file import operations
• Log entries indicating file operations to unusual paths during import activities

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system activities within Android application sandboxes for unauthorized write operations
• Implement integrity monitoring for critical application files to detect unexpected modifications
• Review application logs for anomalous file import patterns or path traversal indicators
• Use mobile security solutions that can detect exploitation of file-based vulnerabilities

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable file integrity monitoring on enterprise-managed mobile devices
• Configure alerts for suspicious file operations within managed application environments
• Review MDM logs for unusual application behavior patterns
• Implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions where available

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-30291

Immediate Actions Required

• Uninstall or disable Ora Tools PDF Reader & Editor APP v4.3.5 until a patched version is available
• Review devices for signs of compromise if the vulnerable application was used
• Consider alternative PDF reader applications with better security practices
• Educate users about the risks of importing files from untrusted sources

Patch Information

At the time of publication, no vendor patch information is available for this vulnerability. Users should monitor the Google Play App Listing for updated versions of the application. Additional technical details regarding this vulnerability can be found in the GitHub Issue #18 published by researchers at Secsys Fudan University.

Workarounds

• Avoid using the file import functionality in the vulnerable application version
• Only import files from trusted and verified sources
• Use alternative PDF reader applications until a security update is released
• Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to restrict application installations on enterprise devices