CVE-2018-16863 : Security Advisory and Response

A recent discovery revealed that the previous security update, RHSA-2018:2918, did not completely resolve CVE-2018-16509. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands through a crafted PostScript document in ghostscript 9.07.

Understanding CVE-2018-16863

This CVE impacts ghostscript 9.07, affecting Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.

What is CVE-2018-16863?

CVE-2018-16863 is a vulnerability in ghostscript 9.07 that enables attackers to bypass security measures and execute malicious shell commands using specially crafted PostScript files.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16863

CVSS Score: 7.3 (High)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: Low
Availability Impact: Low
Privileges Required: None
Scope: Unchanged
This vulnerability poses a high risk as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16863

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in ghostscript 9.07 allows attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands by exploiting a specific flaw in PostScript document handling.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: ghostscript
Vendor: Artifex
Affected Version: 9.07

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious PostScript document and tricking users into opening it, enabling the execution of arbitrary shell commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16863 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches promptly.
Restrict access to PostScript files.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software.
Conduct security training for users to recognize and avoid malicious files.
Monitor network traffic for suspicious activities.
Employ intrusion detection systems.
Consider using security tools to analyze and filter PostScript files.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running ghostscript 9.07 are updated with the latest patches to mitigate the vulnerability.