CVE-2019-14813 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability was discovered in ghostscript versions 9.x before 9.28, allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary commands.

Understanding CVE-2019-14813

This CVE pertains to a flaw in ghostscript versions 9.x before 9.50 that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system security.

What is CVE-2019-14813?

CVE-2019-14813 is a vulnerability found in the setsystemparams procedure of ghostscript versions 9.x before 9.28. This flaw enables attackers to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to the file system or execute arbitrary commands.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14813

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.3, indicating a high severity level. The attack complexity is low, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is significant.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14813

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in ghostscript versions 9.x before 9.28 lies in the setsystemparams procedure, allowing scripts to bypass

-dSAFER

restrictions and compromise system security.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ghostscript
Vendor: Artifex Software
Affected Version: ghostscript versions 9.x before 9.28

Exploitation Mechanism

By using a specially crafted PostScript file, attackers can exploit this vulnerability to disable security protections and execute unauthorized commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-14813, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ghostscript to version 9.28 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement strict file system access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit PostScript files for suspicious activities.
Educate users on safe handling of PostScript files to prevent exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Artifex Software to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.