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CVE Record

CVE-2020-21676: A stack-based buffer overflow in the genpstrx_text() component in genpstricks.c of fig2dev 3.2.7b allows at...

A stack-based buffer overflow in the genpstrx_text() component in genpstricks.c of fig2dev 3.2.7b allows attackers to cause a denial of service (DOS) via converting a xfig file into pstricks format.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2020-21676 is a crash risk in fig2dev 3.2.7b when converting Xfig files to PSTricks format. A malicious or malformed Xfig file can trigger a stack-based buffer overflow and cause denial of service. Sources do not show active exploitation or broader impact beyond the conversion workflow.

Executive priority

Prioritize where fig2dev handles external files, especially automated document conversion services. This is not currently evidenced as actively exploited, but parser crashes in file-processing pipelines can disrupt services and may affect shared build or publishing systems.

Technical view

The issue is a stack-based buffer overflow in genpstrx_text() in genpstricks.c. The documented trigger is conversion of an xfig file into pstricks format. Public metadata lists no CVSS score and no confirmed code execution impact. Debian published fig2dev security updates in 2021 and 2023.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on systems, build pipelines, document services, or desktops that run fig2dev 3.2.7b against untrusted or user-supplied Xfig files and request PSTricks output. Systems not processing Xfig files, or not using fig2dev, are unlikely to be exposed.

Exploitation context

The public description supports denial of service through crafted file conversion. The source bundle does not cite CISA KEV, active exploitation, public weaponization, or remote unauthenticated exploitation. Treat untrusted document conversion as the main risk context.

Researcher notes

The evidence is narrow: fig2dev 3.2.7b, genpstrx_text(), genpstricks.c, Xfig-to-PSTricks conversion, denial of service. No CVSS, CWE assignment, exploit maturity, or complete affected-version range is provided in the bundle. Avoid expanding impact without vendor confirmation.

Mitigation direction

  • Identify and update any fig2dev 3.2.7b installations.
  • Apply distribution security updates, including Debian fig2dev updates where applicable.
  • Avoid converting untrusted Xfig files until patched.
  • Restrict document conversion services to trusted inputs and isolated environments.
  • Check upstream or distribution guidance for fixed package versions.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory hosts and containers for installed fig2dev versions.
  • Confirm whether workflows convert Xfig files to PSTricks output.
  • Review package manager history for relevant fig2dev security updates.
  • Check document conversion services for untrusted upload paths.
  • Monitor conversion jobs for crashes or abnormal failures.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
5Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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