CVE-2000-0184 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Linux printtool sets the permissions of printer configuration files to be world-readable, which allows local attackers to obtain printer share passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0184 represents a critical security flaw in the Linux printtool utility that was prevalent in early linux distributions. This issue stems from improper file permission handling within the printing subsystem where configuration files containing sensitive printer share passwords are created with world-readable permissions. The flaw exists at the system level where the printtool utility fails to properly secure sensitive authentication data, creating an avenue for local privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of printer network configurations, as it allows any local user to access potentially sensitive authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the printtool utility's file creation process where it generates printer configuration files without adequate permission controls. Specifically the utility creates files with permissions that allow read access to all users on the system, violating fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control. The configuration files typically contain printer share names, network paths, and authentication credentials that are essential for printer access. This flaw operates under the CWE-732 principle of Incorrect Permission Assignment where system components are given overly permissive access controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects local users who may not have direct access to network printers but can still extract sensitive information from the system's configuration files.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0184 extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with the means to escalate privileges and potentially gain unauthorized access to network printer shares. Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to obtain printer share passwords and subsequently use these credentials to access shared printers, potentially leading to unauthorized printing activities, data exfiltration through printer queues, or even further network infiltration. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the affected printtool utility is present on the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) where the initial access is gained through local privilege escalation rather than external attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate permission adjustments to existing configuration files and system-wide policy updates to prevent future occurrences. System administrators should change the permissions of existing printer configuration files to restrict access to authorized users only, typically using chmod commands with restrictive permissions such as 600 or 640. The most effective long-term solution requires updating the printtool utility to implement proper file permission handling during configuration file creation, ensuring that sensitive data is protected by default. Additionally, system hardening measures should include regular auditing of file permissions for printer-related configuration files and implementing automated monitoring to detect unauthorized permission changes. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls for all system components and regularly reviewing system configurations against security baselines to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other utilities or services.