CVE-2009-2820 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in CUPS before 1.4.2, as used on Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.2 and other platforms, does not properly handle (1) HTTP headers and (2) HTML templates, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks and HTTP response splitting attacks via vectors related to (a) the product s web interface, (b) the configuration of the print system, and (c) the titles of printed jobs, as demonstrated by an XSS attack that uses the kerberos parameter to the admin program, and leverages attribute injection and HTTP Parameter Pollution (HPP) issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2820 affects the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS) web interface prior to version 1.4.2, presenting a critical security risk that impacts Apple Mac OS X versions before 10.6.2 and various other platforms. This flaw resides in the web interface component of CUPS, which serves as the primary means of managing print services through a graphical user interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web interface, specifically in how it processes HTTP headers and HTML templates. This weakness creates multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries to execute malicious code and manipulate web responses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two primary attack surfaces that demonstrate the severity of the flaw. First, the improper handling of HTTP headers creates opportunities for HTTP response splitting attacks, where an attacker can inject malicious content into HTTP responses that will be interpreted by web browsers. Second, the flawed HTML template processing allows for cross-site scripting exploitation through attribute injection techniques. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the kerberos parameter within the admin program, which is commonly used for authentication purposes in networked printing environments. This attack vector demonstrates how seemingly benign administrative parameters can become entry points for sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2820 extends beyond simple XSS attacks to encompass more severe consequences including HTTP response splitting that can enable man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, and content injection. The exploitation chain involves attribute injection combined with HTTP Parameter Pollution (HPP) techniques, which allows attackers to manipulate multiple parameters simultaneously to bypass security controls. This vulnerability affects not only the web interface but also the broader print system configuration, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate job titles and other administrative parameters. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these vulnerabilities can be triggered through various vectors including the product's web interface, print system configuration, and job title parameters, making it particularly challenging to secure against.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and CWE-113 (Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences) categories, demonstrating the intersection of multiple security weaknesses in web application development. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving web application exploitation and session management manipulation. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, particularly those running CUPS versions prior to 1.4.2, as the vulnerability provides attackers with persistent access to administrative functions. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide temporary mitigation while patches are deployed, though these measures do not address the root cause of the vulnerability. Regular security assessments of print server configurations and monitoring for suspicious HTTP header patterns should be implemented as part of comprehensive security operations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in all web-facing components, particularly those handling authentication and administrative functions.