CVE-2010-1628 in Gpl Ghostscript
Summary
by MITRE
Ghostscript 8.64, 8.70, and possibly other versions allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PostScript file containing unlimited recursive procedure invocations, which trigger memory corruption in the stack of the interpreter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1628 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Ghostscript versions 8.64 and 8.70, with potential impacts extending to other affected versions. This issue arises from insufficient validation of recursive procedure calls within PostScript interpreter contexts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory handling mechanisms through carefully crafted PostScript files. The vulnerability specifically targets the interpreter's stack management system, where unlimited recursive procedure invocations can lead to stack overflow conditions that ultimately result in memory corruption.
From a technical perspective, the flaw operates through the exploitation of recursive procedure call mechanisms within the Ghostscript interpreter environment. When processing malicious PostScript files containing unlimited recursive procedures, the interpreter's stack grows uncontrollably until memory corruption occurs. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write operations that can occur when stack memory is improperly managed. The recursive nature of the attack allows for rapid consumption of available stack space, bypassing typical stack overflow protections that might otherwise detect or limit such behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1628 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass full system compromise when exploited in context-dependent scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Ghostscript process, potentially leading to complete system takeover if the process runs with elevated permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where Ghostscript processes untrusted PostScript files, such as document processing systems, email servers, or web applications that convert documents to PDF format. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of script-based commands, and T1203, covering the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1628 should focus on immediate version upgrades to Ghostscript 8.71 or later, which contain patches addressing the recursive procedure handling issue. System administrators should implement strict input validation for all PostScript files processed by Ghostscript, including limiting recursion depth and implementing resource consumption monitoring. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help contain potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no outdated versions remain in production environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust interpreter stack management and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of recursive code handling in document processing software, aligning with security standards that emphasize the protection of interpreter environments from malicious input manipulation.