CVE-2019-14869
Publication date 14 November 2019
Last updated 25 August 2025
Ubuntu priority
Description
A flaw was found in all versions of ghostscript 9.x before 9.50, where the `.charkeys` procedure, where it did not properly secure its privileged calls, enabling scripts to bypass `-dSAFER` restrictions. An attacker could abuse this flaw by creating a specially crafted PostScript file that could escalate privileges within the Ghostscript and access files outside of restricted areas or execute commands.
Status
| Package | Ubuntu Release | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ghostscript | ||
| 18.04 LTS bionic |
Fixed 9.26~dfsg+0-0ubuntu0.18.04.12
|
|
| 16.04 LTS xenial |
Fixed 9.26~dfsg+0-0ubuntu0.16.04.12
|
|
| 14.04 LTS trusty | Not in release |
Patch details
| Package | Patch details |
|---|---|
| ghostscript |
Severity score breakdown
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Base score |
8.8 · High
|
| Attack vector | Network |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges required | None |
| User interaction | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High |
| Integrity impact | High |
| Availability impact | High |
| Vector | CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H |
References
Related Ubuntu Security Notices (USN)
- USN-4193-1
- Ghostscript vulnerability
- 14 November 2019