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6.8

a2ps 4.14 allows attackers to delete files or run commands

CVE-2014-0466 · published 12 years ago
Summary

The fixps helper used by a2ps version 4.14 runs Ghostscript without the safety flag, so a specially crafted PostScript file can make the program remove any file it can access or run other commands. This could let an attacker who can influence the PostScript content take control of the system. Upgrade to a version that includes the -dSAFER option or modify the script to add that option before running Ghostscript.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
gnu a2ps 4.14
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:a2ps:4.14:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
The fixps script in a2ps 4.14 does not use the -dSAFER option when executing gs, which allows context-dependent attackers to delete arbitrary files or execute arbitrary commands via a crafted PostS...
The fixps script in a2ps 4.14 does not use the -dSAFER option when executing gs, which allows context-dependent attackers to delete arbitrary files or execute arbitrary commands via a crafted PostScript file.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 60 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)
Severity
6.8 Medium
Exploitation
2% chance of attack within 30 days
Timeline
Published3 Apr 2014
Updated3 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2014-0466 · NVD
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