CVE-2017-7975 : What You Need to Know

Artifex jbig2dec 0.13, as used in Ghostscript, contains an integer overflow vulnerability in the jbig2_build_huffman_table function, allowing out-of-bounds writes when processing a manipulated JBIG2 file. This could lead to a denial of service or potential execution of unauthorized code.

Understanding CVE-2017-7975

This CVE entry describes a security flaw in Artifex jbig2dec 0.13, which is utilized in Ghostscript, that could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code.

What is CVE-2017-7975?

The vulnerability in the jbig2_build_huffman_table function of Artifex jbig2dec 0.13 allows for out-of-bounds writes when handling a manipulated JBIG2 file, potentially resulting in an application crash or unauthorized code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7975

The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a denial of service condition (application crash) or the execution of unauthorized code, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7975

Artifex jbig2dec 0.13, as used in Ghostscript, is susceptible to an integer overflow vulnerability in the jbig2_build_huffman_table function, which can have severe consequences when processing crafted JBIG2 files.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw permits out-of-bounds writes due to an integer overflow in the jbig2_build_huffman_table function, potentially enabling attackers to crash applications or execute malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: All versions of Artifex jbig2dec 0.13 utilized in Ghostscript are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating JBIG2 files, triggering out-of-bounds writes in the jbig2_build_huffman_table function and potentially causing a denial of service or unauthorized code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2017-7975 and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Consider implementing network-level protections to filter out potentially malicious JBIG2 files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate potential security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected systems are updated with the latest patches and security fixes to mitigate the risks posed by the CVE-2017-7975 vulnerability.