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-2020-16302: A buffer overflow vulnerability in jetp3852_print_page() in devices/gdev3852.c of Artifex Software GhostScript v9.50 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges 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 documents. The vulnerability affects version 9.50 of GhostScript and allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges through a crafted PDF file.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-16302, is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the jetp3852_print_page() function in the devices/gdev3852.c file of GhostScript. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or even a complete compromise of the affected system. 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 workaround has been provided for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the official fix by updating to GhostScript version 9.51 or later.

Conclusion

The buffer overflow vulnerability in Artifex Software GhostScript v9.50 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update GhostScript to version 9.51 or later. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or a complete compromise of the system.

You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. It analyzes your manifest file, such as package-lock.json, and provides real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.

No, only version 9.50 of GhostScript is affected by this vulnerability. Updating to version 9.51 or later will fix the issue.

There is no known exploit available in the public domain at the time of this report. However, it is crucial to apply the fix promptly to mitigate any potential risks.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the CVE-2020-16302 entry at the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSV).

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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