CVE-2008-3863

CVE-2008-3863 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Enscript with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.6. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

• Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.6)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 8% (94th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-119
• Affected product: Gnu Enscript
• Published: 2008-10-23
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the read_special_escape function in src/psgen.c in GNU Enscript 1.6.1 and 1.6.4 beta, when the -e (aka special escapes processing) option is enabled, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ASCII file, related to the setfilename command.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-3863?

Stack-based buffer overflow in the read_special_escape function in src/psgen.c in GNU Enscript 1.6.1 and 1.6.4 beta, when the -e (aka special escapes processing) option is enabled, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ASCII file, related to the setfilename command.

How severe is CVE-2008-3863?

CVE-2008-3863 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.6, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2008-3863 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 8% (94th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-3863?

CVE-2008-3863 primarily affects Gnu Enscript. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-3863?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2008-3863 published?

CVE-2008-3863 was published on 2008-10-23 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2009/May/msg00002.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2008-11/msg00000.html
• http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2008-1021.html
• http://secunia.com/advisories/32137
• http://secunia.com/advisories/32521
• http://secunia.com/advisories/32530
• http://secunia.com/advisories/32753
• http://secunia.com/advisories/32854
• http://secunia.com/advisories/32970
• http://secunia.com/advisories/33109
• http://secunia.com/advisories/35074
• http://secunia.com/secunia_research/2008-41/
• http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200812-02.xml
• http://securityreason.com/securityalert/4488
• http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3549
• http://support.avaya.com/elmodocs2/security/ASA-2008-504.htm
• http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/Advisories:rPSA-2008-0321
• http://www.debian.org/security/2008/dsa-1670
• http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2008:243
• http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2008-1016.html
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/497647/100/0/threaded
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/498385/100/0/threaded
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/31858
• http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-660-1
• http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-133A.html
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/2891
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/1297
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/46026
• https://issues.rpath.com/browse/RPL-2887
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A9939

Affected products (2)

• cpe:2.3:a:gnu:enscript:1.6.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:gnu:enscript:1.6.4:beta:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Gnu Enscript

• CVE-2004-1185 — High (CVSS 7.5): Enscript 1.6.3 does not sanitize filenames, which allows remote attackers or local users to execute arbitrary commands…
• CVE-2004-1186 — Medium (CVSS 5.0): Multiple buffer overflows in enscript 1.6.3 allow remote attackers or local users to cause a denial of service…
• CVE-2004-1184 — Medium (CVSS 4.6): The EPSF pipe support in enscript 1.6.3 allows remote attackers or local users to execute arbitrary commands via shell…
• CVE-2002-0044 — Low (CVSS 3.6): GNU Enscript 1.6.1 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files of the Enscript user via a symlink…

All CVEs affecting Gnu Enscript →

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