CVE-2023-24805 : What You Need to Know

This CVE involves a command injection vulnerability in cups-filters that can lead to remote code execution. Users of the Backend Error Handler (beh) to create a network printer may be at risk of exploitation. The vulnerability is tracked with the CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level.

Understanding CVE-2023-24805

This section dives into the details of the CVE-2023-24805 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-24805?

The CVE-2023-24805 vulnerability specifically affects cups-filters, which includes backends, filters, and other necessary software for the cups printing service on non-macos systems. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, leading to command injection.

The Impact of CVE-2023-24805

The impact of CVE-2023-24805 is significant, as it allows remote attackers to execute malicious commands on the targeted server with the privileges of the running server. This could result in data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-24805

This section provides a deeper look into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in cups-filters arises from the

beh.c

file, where the

system

command is called with unsanitized user-controlled values. This allows an attacker with network access to execute arbitrary commands on the server hosting the print service.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the OpenPrinting cups-filters product with versions equal to or less than 2.0rc1. Users running these versions are susceptible to exploitation and are advised to take immediate action to secure their systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-24805 involves injecting malicious commands via the susceptible

cmdline

operand in the

beh.c

file. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access and compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-24805, it is crucial to implement immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are urged to upgrade their cups-filters software to a version that includes the patch for this vulnerability. Additionally, restricting access to network printers can reduce the attack surface and mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, code reviews, and security training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by OpenPrinting to ensure your cups-filters software remains secure. Timely patching is essential in mitigating potential risks and vulnerabilities.