CVE-2004-1717: Multiple buffer overflows in the psscan function in ps.c for gv (ghostview) allow remote attackers to execute

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-1717 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting gv. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in the psscan function in ps.c for gv (ghostview) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Postscript file with a long (1) BoundingBox, (2) comment, (3) Orientation, (4) PageOrder, or (5) Pages value.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.4% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-08-16
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gv

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-08-16 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:08 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gv gv DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.7.6 · 2.7b1 · 2.7b2 · 2.7b3 · 2.7b4 · 2.7b5 · 2.9.4 · 3.0.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.7.6

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy gv || rpm -q gv || gv --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.7.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gv sudo apt install gv=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.6> sudo apt-mark hold gv

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list gv sudo dnf downgrade gv-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.6> sudo dnf versionlock add gv

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: GV PostScript Viewer - Remote Buffer Overflow (1)
Exploit-DB: GV PostScript Viewer - Remote Buffer Overflow (2)

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2004-1717?

gv: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-1717 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1717 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2004-1717 affect?

CVE-2004-1717 affects gv. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Multiple buffer overflows in the psscan function in ps.c for gv (ghostview) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Postscript file with a long (1) BoundingBox, (2) comment, (3) Orientation, (4) PageOrder, or (5) Pages value.

How urgent is CVE-2004-1717?

Priority 54/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2010-2056 LOW 3.3 UPGRADE GNU gv before 3.7.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file.
CVE-2006-5864 MEDIUM 5.1 DOWNGRADE Stack-based buffer overflow in the ps_gettext function in ps.c for GNU gv 3.6.2, and possibly earlier versions
CVE-2002-1569 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE gv 3.5.8, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metac
CVE-2002-0838 MEDIUM 4.6 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in (1) gv 3.5.8 and earlier, (2) gvv 1.0.2 and earlier, (3) ggv 1.99.90 and earlier, (4) gnome

References

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