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CVE-2018-7889: gui2/viewer/bookmarkmanager.py in Calibre 3.18 calls cPickle.load on imported bookmark data, which allows r...

gui2/viewer/bookmarkmanager.py in Calibre 3.18 calls cPickle.load on imported bookmark data, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .pickle file, as demonstrated by Python code that contains an os.system call.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

Calibre 3.18 could run attacker-controlled code when a user imported a malicious bookmark .pickle file. This is not a drive-by network bug; it depends on unsafe handling of imported bookmark data. Business risk is highest where users open files from email, shared folders, or external sources.

Executive priority

Treat as a targeted workstation risk. Prioritize remediation where Calibre is installed on systems handling external documents or email attachments. The absence of KEV evidence lowers emergency urgency, but arbitrary code execution still warrants prompt patching and user controls.

Technical view

The reported flaw is in gui2/viewer/bookmarkmanager.py. Calibre 3.18 called cPickle.load on imported bookmark data, allowing arbitrary code execution from a crafted .pickle file. The source bundle references an upstream bug and commit, but provides no CVSS score, CWE, or confirmed exploitation evidence.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to systems running Calibre 3.18 where users can import bookmark data, especially files received from untrusted sources. The provided affected-product metadata is incomplete, so broader version impact cannot be confirmed from the bundle.

Exploitation context

The CVE description states remote attackers can execute arbitrary code via a crafted .pickle file. No CISA KEV listing or cited source in the bundle confirms active exploitation in the wild.

Researcher notes

Evidence supports unsafe Python pickle deserialization in Calibre bookmark import. The source bundle does not provide CVSS, CWE, full affected-version range, fixed release number, or exploitation confirmation. Avoid assuming impact beyond Calibre 3.18 unless vendor history confirms it.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade Calibre 3.18 to a vendor-supported release that includes the referenced upstream fix.
  • Do not import bookmark .pickle files from untrusted or unexpected sources.
  • Limit delivery of unsolicited Calibre bookmark exports through email or shared storage where practical.
  • Check the vendor bug and commit references for fixed release packaging.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory endpoints running Calibre, especially version 3.18.
  • Confirm viewer bookmark import code no longer uses cPickle.load on imported data.
  • Review endpoint telemetry for suspicious child processes launched by Calibre.
  • Check user workflows for importing externally supplied bookmark files.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Execution behavior lookup

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CVE-2018-7889 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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