CVE-2006-5864 in GNU
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ps_gettext function in ps.c for GNU gv 3.6.2, and possibly earlier versions, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PostScript (PS) file with certain headers that contain long comments, as demonstrated using the (1) DocumentMedia, (2) DocumentPaperSizes, and possibly (3) PageMedia and (4) PaperSize headers. NOTE: this issue can be exploited through other products that use gv such as evince.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5864 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the GNU gv document viewer software version 3.6.2 and potentially earlier releases. This flaw exists within the ps_gettext function located in the ps.c source file, creating a security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors through carefully crafted PostScript files. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of certain headers within PostScript documents, particularly DocumentMedia, DocumentPaperSizes, PageMedia, and PaperSize headers, which when populated with excessively long comments can trigger the buffer overflow condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the ps_gettext function. When GNU gv processes PostScript files containing these specific headers with extended comment content, the software fails to properly validate the length of the input data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic buffer overflow scenario occurs because the application assumes that incoming data will not exceed predetermined limits, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory regions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user assistance, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to open a specially crafted malicious PostScript file, typically through social engineering or phishing techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5864 extends beyond the immediate GNU gv application to encompass numerous other software products that rely on gv's underlying libraries and functionality. This includes popular desktop environments like Evince, which incorporates gv components for PostScript document rendering, thereby amplifying the potential attack surface significantly. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system control, escalate privileges, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation through other products that utilize gv components demonstrates how security flaws in foundational libraries can create cascading effects across entire software ecosystems.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions as critical weaknesses in software systems. From an adversarial perspective, this issue maps to several ATT&CK techniques including initial access through social engineering, privilege escalation via code execution, and persistence mechanisms that could be established through successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a user-assisted attack means that defenders must implement multiple layers of protection including application whitelisting, email filtering, and user education programs to prevent successful exploitation. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The widespread use of gv components across different Linux distributions and desktop environments makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it affects not only the primary application but also numerous derivative products that depend on the same vulnerable codebase.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of all affected GNU gv installations and related software products that incorporate gv libraries, particularly Evince and similar document viewers. System administrators should implement strict file type validation and content scanning for PostScript documents, especially those received through untrusted sources. Additionally, deploying application sandboxing techniques and restricting user privileges when opening document files can significantly reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potentially affected components that may share similar code patterns or dependencies with the vulnerable gv library, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities.