CVE-2019-3838 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in ghostscript versions prior to 9.27 allows unauthorized access to the file system, posing a high severity risk.

Understanding CVE-2019-3838

The extraction of the forceput operator from the DefineResource method in ghostscript versions prior to 9.27 has been discovered, enabling unauthorized access to the file system.

What is CVE-2019-3838?

It was found that the forceput operator could be extracted from the DefineResource method in ghostscript before version 9.27. An intentionally manipulated PostScript file can exploit this vulnerability, allowing unauthorized access to the file system beyond imposed limitations.

The Impact of CVE-2019-3838

CVSS Base Score: 7.3 (High Severity)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: None
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: Low
Availability Impact: Low
Scope: Unchanged
User Interaction: None

Technical Details of CVE-2019-3838

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a specially crafted PostScript file to access the file system outside the constraints imposed by -dSAFER.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: ghostscript
Vendor: The ghostscript Project
Affected Version: 9.27

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating a PostScript file to extract the forceput operator from the DefineResource method.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ghostscript to version 9.27 or later
Avoid opening untrusted PostScript files
Implement file system access controls

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches
Conduct security training for users on safe file handling practices

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates and patches provided by the vendor.