CVE-2004-1717 in gv
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the psscan function in ps.c for gv (ghostview) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Postscript file with a long (1) BoundingBox, (2) comment, (3) Orientation, (4) PageOrder, or (5) Pages value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1717 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ghostview application's ps.c file, specifically affecting the psscan function. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation when processing PostScript files, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted PostScript documents. The flaw manifests when the application encounters oversized values in specific PostScript parameters including BoundingBox, comment, Orientation, PageOrder, or Pages fields, which exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory regions.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The psscan function in ghostview fails to properly validate the length of PostScript parameter values before copying them into fixed-size buffers, creating predictable memory corruption patterns that can be exploited to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability affects the broader class of buffer overflow issues categorized under CWE-787, which encompasses out-of-bounds writes that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant threat to systems processing PostScript documents in untrusted environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious PostScript files that contain oversized parameter values, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running ghostview. The vulnerability affects systems where ghostview is used as a document viewer, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted PostScript files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems. This creates a substantial risk for enterprise environments where document processing occurs without proper sandboxing or input validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1717 should include immediate patching of affected ghostview versions to address the buffer overflow in the ps.c file, ensuring that input validation is properly implemented for all PostScript parameters. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures and consider deploying sandboxing techniques when processing PostScript documents. Additionally, security controls should include network segmentation to limit access to systems running ghostview, regular security updates, and monitoring for suspicious PostScript file processing activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary code through the compromised ghostview application. System administrators should also consider implementing file type restrictions and content scanning to prevent execution of potentially malicious PostScript files in environments where such processing occurs.