Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in Artifex Software GhostScript v9.50

ghostscript Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

13/08/2020
N/A
Yes i
Medium
5.5

CVE-2020-16290: A buffer overflow vulnerability in jetp3852_print_page() in devices/gdev3852.c of Artifex Software GhostScript v9.50 allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service via a crafted PDF file. Affects ghostscript versions < 9.51-r0. Fixed in 9.51-r0. How to fix ↓

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Background

Artifex Software GhostScript is an open-source interpreter for the PostScript language and the PDF file format. It is widely used for rendering and manipulating PDF files. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-16290, is a buffer overflow issue in the jetp3852_print_page() function of the devices/gdev3852.c file. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service by exploiting a crafted PDF file.

Vulnerability Detail

The buffer overflow vulnerability in jetp3852_print_page() function of Artifex Software GhostScript v9.50 can be exploited by an attacker sending a specially crafted PDF file. When the vulnerable function processes the malicious file, it fails to properly validate the input, leading to a buffer overflow. This can result in a denial of service condition, causing the affected GhostScript instance to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.5, indicating a moderate severity level.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

9.51-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade ghostscript

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Workaround

No specific workaround has been provided for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The buffer overflow vulnerability in Artifex Software GhostScript v9.50 can be mitigated by updating to version 9.51 or later. It is important to promptly apply the fix to prevent potential denial of service attacks. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service by exploiting a crafted PDF file. This can result in the affected GhostScript instance crashing or becoming unresponsive.

You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your GhostScript version is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file to the playground, and it will alert you if your version is vulnerable.

No specific workarounds have been provided for this vulnerability. It is recommended to update to the fixed version of GhostScript.

There is no evidence of active exploitation of this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is crucial to apply the recommended fix to prevent any potential attacks.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the CVE-2020-16290 JSON report available at https://storage.googleapis.com/cve-osv-conversion/osv-output/CVE-2020-16290.json

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for ghostscript.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

9.51-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade ghostscript

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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