CVE-2006-5864

CVE-2006-5864 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Gnu Gv with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 15% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the ps_gettext function in ps.c for GNU gv 3.6.2, and possibly earlier versions, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PostScript (PS) file with certain headers that contain long comments, as demonstrated using the (1) DocumentMedia, (2) DocumentPaperSizes, and possibly (3) PageMedia and (4) PaperSize headers. NOTE: this issue can be exploited through other products that use gv such as evince.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2006-5864?
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ps_gettext function in ps.c for GNU gv 3.6.2, and possibly earlier versions, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PostScript (PS) file with certain headers that contain long comments, as demonstrated using the (1) DocumentMedia, (2) DocumentPaperSizes, and possibly (3) PageMedia and (4) PaperSize headers. NOTE: this issue can be exploited through other products that use gv such as evince.
How severe is CVE-2006-5864?
CVE-2006-5864 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.1, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2006-5864 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 15% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2006-5864?
CVE-2006-5864 primarily affects Gnu Gv. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2006-5864?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2006-5864 published?
CVE-2006-5864 was published on 2006-11-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (4)

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