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

This week

MEDIUM 5.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-5864 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.1) affecting gv. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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 evin

Why this priority

EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.1 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	16.1% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2006-11-11
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gnu

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-11-11 01:07 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:32 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnu gv DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.5.8 · 3.6.0 · 3.6.1 · 3.6.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.5.8

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.5.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gv sudo apt install gv=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.5.8> sudo apt-mark hold gv

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

dnf --showduplicates list gv sudo dnf downgrade gv-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.5.8> 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: Evince Document Viewer - 'DocumentMedia' Remote Buffer Overflow

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-2006-5864?

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

Is CVE-2006-5864 being exploited?

CVE-2006-5864 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-2006-5864 affect?

CVE-2006-5864 affects gv. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.1). 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 comme

How urgent is CVE-2006-5864?

Priority 47/100. EPSS top 3%: 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-2004-1717 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Multiple buffer overflows in the psscan function in ps.c for gv (ghostview) allow remote attackers to execute
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

← Back to latest CVEs