CVE-2008-5286 in cups
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the _cupsImageReadPNG function in CUPS 1.1.17 through 1.3.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PNG image with a large height value, which bypasses a validation check and triggers a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5286 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Common Unix Printing System CUPS software version 1.1.17 through 1.3.9. This issue resides in the _cupsImageReadPNG function which processes portable network graphics image files for printing operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively large numerical values during image processing operations. When a maliciously crafted PNG file containing an oversized height parameter is processed by the affected CUPS version, the system performs arithmetic operations that result in integer overflow conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific code path where the PNG image height value is not properly validated before being used in buffer allocation calculations. This validation failure allows attackers to manipulate the image metadata in such a way that the calculated buffer size becomes insufficient to accommodate the actual image data. The integer overflow condition causes the system to allocate a buffer that is significantly smaller than required, leading to memory corruption when the image data is written beyond the allocated boundaries. This memory corruption directly enables arbitrary code execution capabilities for remote attackers who can craft malicious PNG files to exploit the vulnerability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe security risk to any system running affected CUPS versions, particularly those serving as print servers or handling print jobs from untrusted sources. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially gain complete control over the affected system without requiring local access or authentication credentials. The vulnerability affects systems where CUPS processes PNG images for print operations, including networked printers, print servers, and any application that utilizes the CUPS printing stack for image handling. This makes the attack surface particularly broad across enterprise environments where centralized printing infrastructure is common.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through application vulnerabilities. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to CUPS versions that have patched this vulnerability, typically CUPS 1.3.10 or later releases. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of print servers to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing strict image validation policies that reject malformed or suspicious image files can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual print job patterns or memory allocation behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in image processing libraries, particularly in systems handling untrusted user data through print processing pipelines.