CVE-2024-47176 Scanner

CUPS is a widely used open-source printing system that provides a standard API for printers. It is primarily utilized by network administrators and IT departments to manage printing services in both small and large-scale environments. CUPS supports various printing protocols and is usually installed on Unix-like operating systems, making it highly versatile and useful for automating network print tasks. The software integrates seamlessly with Unix systems and helps connect shared printers, ensuring efficient resource utilization. By handling multiple print jobs and supporting numerous printer models, CUPS enhances productivity in organizational settings. It is known for its robust performance in both home offices and large institutional networks, providing a reliable, community-supported printing infrastructure.

Remote Code Execution (RCE) is a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to run arbitrary code on a target machine. This type of vulnerability often leads to unauthorized control over the system, as the attacker can exploit flaws to execute commands remotely. In the context of CUPS, the bug emerges from its network-based service bindings, which improperly trust input data. RCE vulnerabilities are highly dangerous due to their capacity to impact system integrity and confidentiality. These flaws can result in data breaches, service disruptions, or system takedowns if left unpatched. Effective remediation of RCE vulnerabilities requires timely software updates and patches to mitigate potential risks.

Technical details of this vulnerability revolve around the CUPS service that binds to the INADDR_ANY-631 network socket. This configuration flaw allows any packet from any source to be trusted, enabling a chain of exploits. An attacker could leverage these weaknesses to introduce a malicious printer to the network. By manipulating certain network print requests, attackers can execute arbitrary commands. The most significant vulnerabilities lie in the 'Get-Printer-Attributes' IPP request, which can be directed to attacker-controlled URLs. Therefore, the vulnerability is particularly severe when systems are exposed to public networks without adequate security controls.

When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute code remotely on the affected system. This poses severe risks such as unauthorized system control, data theft, or network disruptions. If the printing services are exposed to unsecured networks, it increases the likelihood of widespread attacks. Exploiting such a vulnerability could allow attackers to pivot through the network and access other sensitive systems. The public exposure of network printers heightens risks, potentially turning vulnerabilities into entry points for larger cyber-attacks. Organizations using vulnerable versions of CUPS are at risk of significant data and operational security breaches, necessitating immediate defensive actions.

REFERENCES

• https://www.evilsocket.net/2024/09/26/Attacking-UNIX-systems-via-CUPS-Part-I/
• https://github.com/OpenPrinting/cups-browsed/security/advisories/GHSA-rj88-6mr5-rcw8
• https://github.com/OpenPrinting/cups-browsed/blob/master/daemon/cups-browsed.c#L13992
• https://github.com/OpenPrinting/cups-filters/security/advisories/GHSA-p9rh-jxmq-gq47
• https://github.com/OpenPrinting/libcupsfilters/security/advisories/GHSA-w63j-6g73-wmg5