CVE-2019-10216

Name: CVE-2019-10216
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2019-11-27T13:15:10.747+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 2.30%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2019-10216 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. In ghostscript before version 9.50, the .buildfont1 procedure 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 and access files outside of restricted areas.. EPSS estimates a 2.30% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In ghostscript before version 9.50, the .buildfont1 procedure 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 and access files outside of restricted areas.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.30%

81.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-648

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Artifex	Ghostscript	< 9.50
Redhat	3scale Api Management	2.6
Redhat	Enterprise Linux	5.0
Redhat	Enterprise Linux	6.0
Redhat	Enterprise Linux	8.0
Redhat	Enterprise Linux Desktop	7.0
Redhat	Enterprise Linux Server	7.0
Redhat	Enterprise Linux Server Aus	7.7
Redhat	Enterprise Linux Server Eus	7.7
Redhat	Enterprise Linux Server Tus	7.7
Redhat	Enterprise Linux Workstation	7.0

References

http://git.ghostscript.com/?p=ghostpdl.git%3Ba=commitdiff%3Bh=5b85ddd19
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-10216Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202004-03Third Party Advisory
http://git.ghostscript.com/?p=ghostpdl.git%3Ba=commitdiff%3Bh=5b85ddd19
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-10216Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202004-03Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 27, 2019
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2019-10216?

How severe is CVE-2019-10216?

CVE-2019-10216 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.30% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2019-10216?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2019-10216?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST