Moderate Vulnerability in Ghostscript: Heap Buffer Overflow via JPEG 2000 Output Adapter
Summary
ALSA-2026:76877: Moderate: ghostscript security update. Affects ghostscript versions < 9.27-18.el8_10. Fixed in 9.27-18.el8_10. How to fix ↓
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Background
Ghostscript is a suite of software that provides utilities for rendering PostScript and PDF documents. It translates PostScript code into common bitmap formats, enabling display and printing of the code. The package is widely used in various applications for document processing and printing tasks. However, it has been found to have a vulnerability that could potentially allow attackers to exploit the software.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-39919 is a heap buffer overflow that occurs via the JPEG 2000 output adapter in Ghostscript. This flaw can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access or control over the affected system. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of input data, which can result in memory corruption and unpredictable behavior of the application.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
9.27-18.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 avoid using the JPEG 2000 output adapter until the package is updated. This may involve modifying application settings or configurations to bypass this specific functionality.
Conclusion
The Ghostscript vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-39919 poses a moderate risk due to a heap buffer overflow via the JPEG 2000 output adapter. Users are advised to update to the patched version to mitigate potential 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 them to be rendered and printed.
A heap buffer overflow is a type of vulnerability that occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the heap than it can hold, potentially leading to memory corruption.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Simply upload your manifest file like package-lock.json to check for vulnerabilities.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider using a workaround by avoiding the use of the JPEG 2000 output adapter until the update can be applied.
For more details, refer to the CVE page for CVE-2026-39919, which provides in-depth information about the vulnerability, its impact, and mitigation strategies.
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