CVE-2021-45944 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Ghostscript GhostPDL 9.50 through 9.53.3 has a use-after-free vulnerability in sampled_data_sample.

Understanding CVE-2021-45944

What is CVE-2021-45944?

CVE-2021-45944 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Ghostscript GhostPDL versions 9.50 through 9.53.3, specifically in sampled_data_sample function.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45944

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) by exploiting the use-after-free issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45944

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the sampled_data_sample function within Ghostscript GhostPDL, triggered by calls from sampled_data_continue and interp.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Versions: 9.50 through 9.53.3

Exploitation Mechanism

The use-after-free vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to potentially execute malicious code or disrupt the normal operation of the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Patch affected systems with the latest updates provided by the vendor.
Implement strict input validation to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.
Monitor and restrict network traffic to and from vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply the security updates released by Ghostscript to address the use-after-free vulnerability in GhostPDL versions 9.50 through 9.53.3.