CVE-2018-17961 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Artifex Ghostscript 9.25 and older versions have a vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass sandbox protection mechanisms. This occurs due to an incomplete solution for CVE-2018-17183, enabling exploitation through errorhandler setup.

Understanding CVE-2018-17961

This CVE involves a security issue in Artifex Ghostscript versions 9.25 and earlier, leading to sandbox protection bypass.

What is CVE-2018-17961?

CVE-2018-17961 is a vulnerability in Artifex Ghostscript 9.25 and older versions that permits attackers to circumvent sandbox protection by manipulating errorhandler setup.

The Impact of CVE-2018-17961

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to evade security measures, potentially leading to unauthorized access and execution of arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-17961

Artifex Ghostscript 9.25 and earlier versions are susceptible to exploitation due to inadequate sandbox protection mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from an incomplete fix for CVE-2018-17183, enabling attackers to bypass the sandbox protection by manipulating errorhandler setup.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Artifex Ghostscript
Versions: 9.25 and older

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging vectors related to errorhandler setup, allowing them to bypass the sandbox protection.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-17961, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor official sources for updates and advisories regarding this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls and least privilege principles.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to detect and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update Artifex Ghostscript to the latest version to ensure that security patches are applied effectively.