CVE-2020-16302: Buffer Overflow

Published Aug 13, 2020
·
Updated

A buffer overflow vulnerability in jetp3852printpage() in devices/gdev3852.c of Artifex Software GhostScript v9.50 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via a crafted PDF file. This is fixed in v9.51.

Affected Software

8 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/ghostscript<9.51
9.51
Artifex Ghostscript=9.50
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=18.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=20.04
debian/ghostscript
9.53.3~dfsg-7+deb11u79.53.3~dfsg-7+deb11u1110.0.0~dfsg-11+deb12u810.05.1~dfsg-1+deb13u110.07.0~dfsg-2

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/ghostscript to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.53.3~dfsg-7+deb11u7Fixed in 9.53.3~dfsg-7+deb11u11Fixed in 10.0.0~dfsg-11+deb12u8Fixed in 10.05.1~dfsg-1+deb13u1Fixed in 10.07.0~dfsg-2
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade redhat/ghostscript to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.51
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade Artifex Software GhostScript to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.51

Event History

Aug 13, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:09 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:09 AM
Description
Aug 19, 2020
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·03:39 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Feb 23, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·08:07 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·08:08 PM
Description
Mar 25, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·08:30 PM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID for this buffer overflow vulnerability?

The vulnerability ID is CVE-2020-16302.

2

What is the severity rating of CVE-2020-16302?

CVE-2020-16302 has a severity rating of medium.

3

How can a remote attacker exploit CVE-2020-16302?

A remote attacker can exploit CVE-2020-16302 by sending a crafted PDF file to the affected system.

4

Which versions of GhostScript are affected by CVE-2020-16302?

Versions up to and including 9.50 of GhostScript are affected by CVE-2020-16302.

5

How can I fix the buffer overflow vulnerability in GhostScript?

The buffer overflow vulnerability in GhostScript can be fixed by updating to version 9.51 or later.

Contact

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