#VU14496 Improper input validation in Ghostscript


Published: 2018-08-23 | Updated: 2020-04-22

Vulnerability identifier: #VU14496

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.8 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-15909

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Ghostscript
Universal components / Libraries / Libraries used by multiple products

Vendor: Artifex Software, Inc.

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to bypass implemented security restrictions and execute arbitrary system commands.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation when processing malformed PostScript, PDF, EPS, or XPS files. A remote attacker can supply a specially crafted file, bypass -dSAFER restrictions and execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable system.


Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Ghostscript: 9.00 - 9.23


External links
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/332928
http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2018/08/21/2
http://git.ghostscript.com/?p=ghostpdl.git;a=commit;h=0b6cd1918e1ec4ffd087400a754a845180a4522b
http://git.ghostscript.com/?p=ghostpdl.git;a=commit;h=e01e77a36cbb2e0277bc3a63852244bec41be0f6


Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.


Latest bulletins with this vulnerability