Ghostscript Vulnerability: CVE-2019-3838 - Unauthorized File System Access
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2019-3838: It was found that the forceput operator could be extracted from the DefineResource method in ghostscript before 9.27. Affects ghostscript versions < 9.26-r2. Fixed in 9.26-r2. How to fix ↓
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Background
Ghostscript is an interpreter for the PostScript language and for PDF. It is widely used for processing and rendering documents in various formats. The package is known for its ability to convert files, manage printing tasks, and serve as a backend for various applications. However, it has been found to be vulnerable to a specific issue that allows unauthorized access to the file system, which can lead to significant security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2019-3838, arises from a flaw in the handling of the 'forceput' operator within the DefineResource method of Ghostscript versions prior to 9.27. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PostScript file that circumvents the security constraints imposed by the -dSAFER option. This could allow the attacker to access sensitive files on the system, leading to potential data breaches and unauthorized actions.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
9.26-r2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade ghostscriptTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can disable the execution of potentially harmful PostScript files by avoiding the use of the -dSAFER option, although this is not a recommended long-term solution as it may expose your system to other risks.
Conclusion
CVE-2019-3838 is a significant vulnerability in Ghostscript that can lead to unauthorized file system access. It is crucial for users to update to the patched version to mitigate risks. Monitoring tools like Vulert can assist in identifying vulnerabilities in your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for ghostscript →
FAQ
CVE-2019-3838 is a vulnerability in Ghostscript that allows unauthorized access to the file system through a specially crafted PostScript file.
If you are using a version of Ghostscript prior to 9.26-r2, your system is vulnerable. You can check your installed version using the command 'ghostscript --version'.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files, potentially resulting in data breaches and other security incidents.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
The CVSS score for CVE-2019-3838 is 5.5, indicating a moderate level of severity.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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