CVE-2021-45949 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Ghostscript GhostPDL 9.50 through 9.54.0 has a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-45949

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in Ghostscript GhostPDL software versions 9.50 through 9.54.0.

What is CVE-2021-45949?

The vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow in the sampled_data_finish function, which is called from sampled_data_continue and interp within Ghostscript GhostPDL.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45949

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition, potentially leading to system compromise or instability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45949

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the sampled_data_finish function of Ghostscript GhostPDL.
It is triggered through sampled_data_continue and interp calls.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Ghostscript GhostPDL
Versions: 9.50 through 9.54.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious sampled data that triggers the buffer overflow, leading to potential code execution or DoS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-45949, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Ghostscript GhostPDL to a non-vulnerable version immediately.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any signs of exploitation.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of a potential attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about secure coding practices and awareness of social engineering tactics.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by the software vendor.
Follow best practices for secure software development and consider code reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.