CVE-2020-17538 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-17538, a buffer overflow vulnerability in GetNumSameData() in GhostScript v9.50 allowing remote attackers to cause denial of service via crafted PDF files. Find mitigation steps here.
A buffer overflow vulnerability in GetNumSameData() in contrib/lips4/gdevlips.c of Artifex Software GhostScript v9.50 allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service via a crafted PDF file. This is fixed in v9.51.
Understanding CVE-2020-17538
This CVE involves a buffer overflow vulnerability in GhostScript version 9.50 that could be exploited by a remote attacker to trigger a denial of service attack.
What is CVE-2020-17538?
The vulnerability in GetNumSameData() in GhostScript v9.50 allows attackers to disrupt services by using a maliciously crafted PDF file.
The Impact of CVE-2020-17538
The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a denial of service attack, potentially disrupting the availability of services relying on the affected GhostScript version.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-17538
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The buffer overflow vulnerability in GetNumSameData() in GhostScript v9.50 enables a remote attacker to execute a denial of service attack through a specifically crafted PDF file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Systems: GhostScript v9.50
- Affected Versions: All versions up to v9.50
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by sending a malicious PDF file to the target system, triggering the buffer overflow in GetNumSameData() function.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-17538 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update GhostScript to version 9.51 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious PDF files.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all systems running GhostScript are updated to version 9.51 or the latest available version to address the buffer overflow vulnerability.