Description
Multiple buffer overflows in the (1) recognize_eps_file function (src/psgen.c) and (2) tilde_subst function (src/util.c) in GNU enscript 1.6.1, and possibly earlier, might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an epsf escape sequence with a long filename.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | enscript | 1.6.4-13 | — |
| Debian 13 | enscript | 1.6.4-13 | — |
| Debian 12 | enscript | 1.6.4-13 | — |
| Debian 4.0 | enscript | 1.6.4-11.1 | DSA-1670-1 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 4 | enscript | 1.6.1-33.el4_7.1 | RHSA-2008:1021 |
| RHEL 3 | enscript | 1.6.1-24.7 | RHSA-2008:1021 |
| RHEL 2 | enscript | 1.6.1-16.7 | RHSA-2008:1021 |
Advisories 2
- RHSA-2008:1021 Red Hat Security Advisory: enscript security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- DSA-1670-1 enscript - arbitrary code execution Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- enscript-recognize-tilde-bo(47680) vdb-entry
- http://support.avaya.com/elmodocs2/security/ASA-2008-504.htm
- 33181 third-party-advisory
- SUSE-SR:2009:005 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2008:1021 vendor-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:11807 vdb-entry signature
- 1021401 vdb-entry
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=473958