CVE-2001-1353 in Ghostscript
Summary
by MITRE
ghostscript before 6.51 allows local users to read and write arbitrary files as the lp user via the file operator, even with -dSAFER enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1353 represents a critical security flaw in the Ghostscript postscript interpreter software prior to version 6.51. This issue affects systems where Ghostscript is installed with the lp (line printer) user privileges, creating a scenario where local attackers can exploit the software's file handling mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability specifically targets the file operator functionality within Ghostscript, which is designed to handle file operations during postscript processing. Despite the presence of the -dSAFER security flag that should restrict file access operations, this protection mechanism can be bypassed through the exploitation of the underlying file operator implementation.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of file operations within the Ghostscript interpreter, particularly when processing postscript documents that contain malicious file operator commands. The -dSAFER flag is intended to prevent unauthorized file access by restricting operations that could read or write files outside of designated safe directories. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent these safety mechanisms through crafted postscript files that utilize the file operator in ways that bypass the intended security restrictions. This occurs because the file operator implementation does not properly validate the file paths or operations against the current security context, enabling attackers to execute file operations with elevated privileges associated with the lp user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems that utilize Ghostscript for document processing, particularly in environments where the software runs with lp user privileges. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive files from system directories, potentially accessing configuration files, user data, or system credentials that are normally protected. Additionally, the ability to write arbitrary files opens possibilities for privilege escalation attacks where malicious files could be written to system directories, potentially leading to persistent access or system compromise. The vulnerability affects environments where Ghostscript is used for printing services, document conversion, or any application that processes postscript documents and operates under restricted user privileges.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Ghostscript version 6.51 or later, which contains patches addressing the file operator bypass issue. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting Ghostscript execution privileges, ensuring that the software runs with minimal required permissions, and monitoring file access operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privileges, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for postscript-based attacks. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Ghostscript and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent exploitation of this class of security flaws.