Moderate Vulnerability in Ghostscript: Heap Buffer Overflow and Code Execution Risks
Summary
ALSA-2025:4362: Moderate: ghostscript security update. Affects ghostscript versions < 9.27-16.el8_10. Fixed in 9.27-16.el8_10. How to fix ↓
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Background
Ghostscript is a suite of software that provides an interpreter for the PostScript language and for PDF. It is widely used for rendering documents and converting them into various formats. Ghostscript is essential for applications that require document processing, printing, and rendering. However, recent vulnerabilities have been identified that could lead to severe security risks, including arbitrary code execution and buffer overflows.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerabilities in Ghostscript include a heap buffer over write in the lp8000_print_page() function, a dangling pointer in the printer opening function, and multiple buffer overflow issues in PDF handling. These vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to execute malicious code on affected systems. The vulnerabilities stem from improper handling of user input and memory management, making them critical to address.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
9.27-16.el8_10
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update ghostscriptTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit the use of Ghostscript in environments where security is a concern, or avoid processing untrusted PDF and PostScript files until the update is applied.
Conclusion
The identified vulnerabilities in Ghostscript pose significant risks, including arbitrary code execution and buffer overflows. It is crucial for users to update to the latest patched version to mitigate these risks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and manage vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for ghostscript →
FAQ
Ghostscript is a suite of software that interprets PostScript and PDF files, allowing for rendering and conversion into various formats.
Vulnerabilities include heap buffer overflows, dangling pointers, and arbitrary code execution risks, which can compromise system security.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
If an immediate update is not possible, limit the use of Ghostscript and avoid processing untrusted files until the vulnerabilities are addressed.
For more details, refer to the CVE pages associated with the vulnerabilities: CVE-2020-27792, CVE-2023-46751, CVE-2024-46951, CVE-2024-46952, CVE-2024-46953, CVE-2024-46954, and CVE-2024-46956.
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