CVE-2015-3228 in Ghostscript
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the gs_heap_alloc_bytes function in base/gsmalloc.c in Ghostscript 9.15 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted Postscript (ps) file, as demonstrated by using the ps2pdf command, which triggers an out-of-bounds read or write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3228 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Ghostscript document processing engine that affects versions 9.15 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the gs_heap_alloc_bytes function located in base/gsmalloc.c, which serves as a fundamental memory allocation component for the Ghostscript rendering system. The flaw manifests when processing maliciously crafted PostScript files through the ps2pdf command, creating a scenario where remote attackers can deliberately trigger system instability and complete denial of service conditions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper integer handling during memory allocation operations, where the gs_heap_alloc_bytes function fails to adequately validate or constrain input parameters before performing arithmetic operations. When a malicious PostScript file is processed, the function receives crafted input that causes integer overflow conditions, resulting in memory allocation requests that exceed normal bounds. This overflow condition directly translates to out-of-bounds read or write operations within the application's memory space, creating exploitable conditions that can lead to application crashes and system instability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Ghostscript for document processing and conversion services. The ability to remotely trigger denial of service through simple PostScript file manipulation means that any system processing untrusted document inputs becomes potentially vulnerable. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific PostScript files that, when processed through the ps2pdf command, will cause the Ghostscript application to crash or behave unpredictably, effectively rendering the service unavailable to legitimate users. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how memory management flaws can be weaponized for denial of service attacks.
The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as this vulnerability can be leveraged in broader attack scenarios within the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the initial access and execution phases where adversaries establish footholds through document-based attacks. Organizations using Ghostscript in document conversion services, print servers, or automated processing pipelines face elevated risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web interfaces, email attachments, or file sharing systems that process PostScript documents. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be automated and used in large-scale attacks against systems processing document conversions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3228 primarily focus on immediate version updates to Ghostscript 9.16 or later, which contain patches addressing the integer overflow condition in the memory allocation function. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all PostScript files processed through Ghostscript, particularly in environments where untrusted inputs are common. Additional protective measures include deploying network segmentation to isolate document processing services, implementing sandboxing techniques for document handling, and establishing robust monitoring for abnormal application behavior or crash patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain inventory of all Ghostscript installations within their environments to prevent exploitation attempts.