CVE-2018-19409 in Ghostscript
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Artifex Ghostscript before 9.26. LockSafetyParams is not checked correctly if another device is used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19409 represents a critical security flaw in Artifex Ghostscript versions prior to 9.26, specifically affecting the handling of device parameters during print job processing. This issue stems from an improper validation mechanism that fails to correctly verify the LockSafetyParams setting when alternative output devices are utilized. The vulnerability exists within the core rendering and device management components of the Ghostscript engine, which is widely used for processing PostScript and PDF documents across various platforms and applications.
The technical flaw manifests when Ghostscript processes print jobs through different output devices where the LockSafetyParams parameter, which should enforce security restrictions on device parameters, is not properly validated. This misconfiguration allows malicious actors to bypass intended safety mechanisms and potentially manipulate device settings during document processing. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device parameter validation logic where the system fails to correctly check whether safety parameters are locked when alternative devices are specified, creating an attack surface that could be exploited to alter device behavior or access restricted functionality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Ghostscript for document processing, particularly in enterprise environments where print security is paramount. Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw to execute unauthorized device operations, manipulate print job parameters, or gain access to restricted device functionalities that should be protected by safety mechanisms. The impact extends beyond simple print operations as Ghostscript is integrated into numerous applications including web browsers, document management systems, and enterprise printing solutions, amplifying the potential attack surface and operational disruption.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation may involve manipulating device parameters to execute unintended operations. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching to version 9.26 or later, which implements corrected validation logic for LockSafetyParams across all device types. Additional mitigations include implementing strict device parameter restrictions, monitoring print job processing for unusual parameter changes, and ensuring proper access controls on systems running Ghostscript. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can further reduce the risk of exploitation, while regular security assessments should verify that device parameter validation operates correctly across all configured output devices.