iDefense Security Advisory 03.18.08
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Mar 18, 2008
I. BACKGROUND
The Common UNIX Printing System, more commonly referred to as CUPS,
provides a standard printer interface for various Unix based operating
systems. For more information, visit the vendor's website at the
following URL.
http://www.cups.org/
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of a heap based buffer overflow vulnerability in
CUPS, as included in various vendors' operating system distributions,
could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges
of the affected service.
CUPS listens on TCP port 631 for requests. This interface provides
access to several CGI applications used to administer CUPS and provide
information about print jobs. By passing a specially crafted request,
an attacker can trigger a heap based buffer overflow.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation of this vulnerability results in the execution of arbitrary
code with the privileges of the affected service. Depending on the
underlying operating system and distribution, CUPS may run as the lp,
daemon, or a different user.
In order to exploit this vulnerability remotely, the targeted host must
be sharing a printer(s) on the network. If a printer is not being
shared, where CUPS only listens on the local interface, this
vulnerability could only be used to elevate privileges locally.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in CUPS
version 1.3.5. Previous versions may also be affected.
V. WORKAROUND
Disabling printer sharing will prevent this vulnerability from being
exploited remotely. However, local users will still be able to obtain
the privileges of the CUPS service user.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Apple Inc. has addressed this vulnerability within Security Update
2008-002. For more information, visit the following URL.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307562
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2008-0047 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
02/26/2008 Initial vendor notification
02/26/2008 Initial vendor response
03/18/2008 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by regenrecht.
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http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.
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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct,
indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or
reliance on, this information.
