Vulnerability in Artifex Ghostscript Package (CVE-2018-19409)

ghostscript Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

21/11/2018
N/A
Yes i
Critical
9.8

CVE-2018-19409: An issue was discovered in Artifex Ghostscript before 9.26. LockSafetyParams is not checked correctly if another device is used. Affects ghostscript versions < 9.26-r0. Fixed in 9.26-r0. How to fix ↓

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Background

Artifex Ghostscript is an open-source interpreter for the PostScript language and the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). It is widely used for rendering and manipulating PDF files. The package provides a set of command-line tools and libraries for handling PDF documents. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in versions prior to 9.26, which can lead to unauthorized access and potential code execution.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2018-19409, arises from a flaw in the LockSafetyParams function of Artifex Ghostscript. When another device is used, the LockSafetyParams check is not performed correctly. This oversight allows an attacker to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary code. The impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromise.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

9.26-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade ghostscript

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Workaround

As a workaround, users can consider implementing access controls and restrictions to limit the potential impact of the vulnerability. Additionally, it is advisable to monitor network traffic and system logs for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in Artifex Ghostscript prior to version 9.26 poses a significant risk to systems using this package. It is crucial to update to the latest version to mitigate the potential impact. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

Artifex Ghostscript is an open-source interpreter for the PostScript language and the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). It is commonly used for rendering and manipulating PDF files.

The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise.

To fix this vulnerability, update Artifex Ghostscript to version 9.26 or later. Follow the official update instructions provided by the Artifex Ghostscript project.

As a workaround, implement access controls and restrictions to limit the potential impact. Monitor network traffic and system logs for any suspicious activity.

For more information about this vulnerability, refer to the official CVE-2018-19409 entry or contact the Artifex Ghostscript project for assistance.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for ghostscript.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

9.26-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade ghostscript

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