CVE-2019-14869 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been discovered in all versions of Ghostscript 9.x before 9.28. The issue allows for the bypassing of security restrictions, potentially leading to escalated privileges and unauthorized access to files.

Understanding CVE-2019-14869

This CVE pertains to a flaw in Ghostscript versions that could be exploited to execute arbitrary commands or access restricted files.

What is CVE-2019-14869?

The vulnerability in Ghostscript versions 9.x before 9.28 allows malicious scripts to bypass security restrictions, potentially leading to unauthorized access and privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14869

The vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to files outside restricted areas or the execution of arbitrary commands, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14869

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw lies in the

.charkeys

procedure of Ghostscript, lacking proper protection for privileged calls, enabling scripts to bypass security restrictions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Ghostscript
Vendor: Ghostscript
Versions affected: All versions of Ghostscript 9.x before 9.28

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
CVSS Base Score: 7.3 (High)
Vector String: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-14869 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates promptly
Monitor for any unusual activities
Restrict access to vulnerable systems

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and patches
Implement least privilege access controls
Conduct security audits and assessments

Patching and Updates

Refer to vendor advisories for patching instructions
Stay informed about security updates and best practices