How severe is CVE-2016-7976?

CVE-2016-7976 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-7976 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 23% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-7976?

CVE-2016-7976 primarily affects Artifex Ghostscript. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-7976?

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-2016-7976 published?

CVE-2016-7976 was published on 2017-08-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-7976

CVE-2016-7976 is a high-severity vulnerability in Artifex Ghostscript with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 23% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 23% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Artifex Ghostscript
Published: 2017-08-07
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The PS Interpreter in Ghostscript 9.18 and 9.20 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted userparams.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-7976?: The PS Interpreter in Ghostscript 9.18 and 9.20 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted userparams.
How severe is CVE-2016-7976?: CVE-2016-7976 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-7976 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 23% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-7976?: CVE-2016-7976 primarily affects Artifex Ghostscript. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-7976?: 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-2016-7976 published?: CVE-2016-7976 was published on 2017-08-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:artifex:ghostscript:9.18:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:artifex:ghostscript:9.20:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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