UNKNOWN READ Vulnerability in Ghostscript: Memory Management Flaw
Summary
OSV-2024-861: UNKNOWN READ in chunk_free_object. Affects ghostscript versions >= 2422afa72801603247b6a748ea32ca2ce9443ecd, < 2346b9d349503c85d5085ec1a9bd515ba8487f38. Fixed in 2346b9d349503c85d5085ec1a9bd515ba8487f38. How to fix ↓
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Background
Ghostscript is an interpreter for the PostScript language and for PDF. It is widely used for processing and rendering documents in various formats. The software is known for its powerful capabilities in handling graphics and text, making it a popular choice in many applications. However, like any complex software, it is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can compromise its functionality and security.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as OSV-2024-861 is an UNKNOWN READ in the chunk_free_object function within Ghostscript. This issue was reported through OSS-Fuzz, a service that finds security vulnerabilities in software. The crash occurs due to improper memory handling, which can lead to potential exploitation by attackers. If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information or cause the application to crash, leading to denial of service.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2346b9d349503c85d5085ec1a9bd515ba8487f38
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the fix by updating to the patched version of Ghostscript.
Conclusion
The UNKNOWN READ vulnerability in Ghostscript highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to protect against potential security risks. Users are encouraged to apply the necessary updates to safeguard their applications and data.
See every vulnerability recorded for ghostscript →
FAQ
The impact includes potential unauthorized access to memory, which could lead to information disclosure or application crashes.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Simply upload your manifest file like package-lock.json to check for vulnerabilities.
While the primary risk is unauthorized access and application crashes, there is a potential for data loss if the application fails during critical operations.
It is recommended to regularly check for updates and apply them promptly to mitigate the risk of vulnerabilities.
You can find more information on the official Ghostscript website or through vulnerability databases like OSS-Fuzz.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for ghostscript.
