Use-of-uninitialized-value in ghostscript: s_exD_process
Summary
OSV-2020-1883: Use-of-uninitialized-value in s_exD_process. Affects ghostscript versions >= 668917a10e7eada030f7d2dddec9f579fddeed3d, < 825d6807a72b68a2faf11fc37f89b1b75967d727. Fixed in 825d6807a72b68a2faf11fc37f89b1b75967d727. How to fix ↓
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Background
Ghostscript is an open-source interpreter for the PostScript language and the PDF file format. It is widely used for rendering and converting documents. The vulnerability in question affects the s_exD_process function within Ghostscript. This function is responsible for processing certain types of data, and the vulnerability arises from the use of uninitialized values. This can lead to crashes and potential security issues.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability is categorized as a 'Use-of-uninitialized-value' issue. It occurs when the s_exD_process function tries to access uninitialized data, resulting in undefined behavior. This can lead to crashes, memory corruption, and potentially exploitable security vulnerabilities. The vulnerability was reported through the OSS-Fuzz project, and more details can be found in the provided link. The affected versions of Ghostscript and the specific code ranges where the vulnerability was introduced and fixed are also mentioned.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
825d6807a72b68a2faf11fc37f89b1b75967d727
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
As a workaround, if updating Ghostscript is not immediately feasible, it is recommended to exercise caution when processing untrusted PostScript or PDF files. Avoid opening files from untrusted sources or ensure that they are thoroughly validated before processing them with Ghostscript.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 'Use-of-uninitialized-value' vulnerability in Ghostscript's s_exD_process function can lead to crashes and potential security issues. It is crucial to update Ghostscript to a version that includes the fix or apply the recommended workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Ghostscript is an open-source interpreter for the PostScript language and the PDF file format. It is commonly used for rendering and converting documents.
The vulnerability can lead to crashes, memory corruption, and potentially exploitable security vulnerabilities in Ghostscript.
This vulnerability was reported through the OSS-Fuzz project, which performs continuous fuzz testing on various open-source projects to uncover potential issues.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update Ghostscript to a version that includes the fix. Details about the specific commit range are provided in the 'how_to_fix' section.
Yes, if updating Ghostscript is not immediately feasible, exercise caution when processing untrusted PostScript or PDF files. Avoid opening files from untrusted sources or ensure thorough validation before processing them with Ghostscript.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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