CVE-2023-46751 in Ghostscript
Summary
by MITRE • 12/06/2023
An issue was discovered in the function gdev_prn_open_printer_seekable() in Artifex Ghostscript through 10.02.0 allows remote attackers to crash the application via a dangling pointer.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46751 represents a critical memory safety issue within Artifex Ghostscript version 10.02.0 and earlier, specifically affecting the gdev_prn_open_printer_seekable() function. This flaw manifests as a dangling pointer condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to cause application crashes, potentially leading to denial of service or more severe consequences depending on the execution environment. The issue stems from improper memory management practices where a pointer continues to reference memory that has been freed or reallocated, creating a scenario where subsequent operations on this pointer can trigger undefined behavior and system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the gdev_prn_open_printer_seekable() function handles printer output operations, particularly in scenarios involving seekable printer devices. When the function processes certain input parameters or encounters specific printer configuration states, it may inadvertently maintain references to memory locations that have already been deallocated. This dangling pointer condition creates a path for attackers to craft malicious input that triggers the function's memory management flow, resulting in crashes when the application attempts to dereference the invalid pointer. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely, making it accessible to attackers without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Ghostscript for document processing, rendering, or print management services. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target systems running Ghostscript through network-based attacks, potentially disrupting document workflows, print services, or applications that depend on Ghostscript's functionality. The crash condition can be leveraged to create denial of service scenarios that impact business operations, particularly in environments where print services are critical to workflow processes. Additionally, the vulnerability may provide a foothold for more sophisticated attacks if the application is running with elevated privileges or in environments where memory corruption could lead to arbitrary code execution.
The underlying cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which addresses use after free conditions in software systems, and represents a classic memory safety issue that has been documented extensively in cybersecurity literature. This type of vulnerability is particularly relevant to the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, where attackers can leverage memory corruption flaws to disrupt system operations or gain additional access. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of broader application security hygiene practices, particularly when implementing security controls around document processing systems and print management infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46751 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Ghostscript installations to version 10.03.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the dangling pointer condition. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running Ghostscript to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual print job patterns or application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing application whitelisting for print-related processes, and conducting regular security assessments of document processing workflows. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting memory corruption vulnerabilities in their print infrastructure.