Evince PDF Printing Command Injection Vulnerability [CVE-2017-1000159]
A vulnerability in the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) exporter of Evince could allow a local attacker to conduct a command injection attack on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to the affected software insufficiently validating a filename when printing to a PDF file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by printing to a PDF file that has a filename designed to submit malicious input to a targeted system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to conduct a command injection attack, which could be used to conduct further attacks on the targeted system.
Proof-of-concept code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.
The GNOME Project has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.
CVE Number – CVE-2017-1000159
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To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have user-level access to the targeted system. This access requirement could reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.
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Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local systems.
Administrators are advised to allow only privileged users to access administration or management systems.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
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The GNOME Project has released a bug report at the following link: Bug 784947
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The GNOME Project has released a software patch and updates at the following links:
dvi: Mitigate command injection attacks by quoting filename and Evince 3.25.92 and later
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.