CVE-2011-1699 in iPrint
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in nipplib.dll in Novell iPrint Client before 5.64 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted uri parameter in a printer-url.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1699 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the nipplib.dll library component of Novell iPrint Client versions prior to 5.64. This flaw exists in the handling of printer-url parameters, specifically when processing a crafted uri parameter that triggers memory corruption in the client application's heap memory management. The vulnerability resides in the network printing client software that facilitates communication between workstations and network printers, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where print services are extensively utilized.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking within the iPrint client's uri parsing functionality. When a maliciously crafted uri parameter is processed, the application fails to validate the length of input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer allocated on the heap. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the iPrint client. The heap overflow occurs during the parsing of network printer URLs, specifically when the client attempts to establish connections to remote print servers through the malformed uri parameter.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to enterprise network security as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or local access to the target system. Attackers can exploit this flaw by constructing malicious printer URLs and distributing them through various attack vectors such as phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious documents that contain printer links. The impact extends beyond individual workstations as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute code on behalf of authenticated users, potentially leading to privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, and data exfiltration. Organizations utilizing Novell iPrint Client across their enterprise infrastructure face significant exposure, particularly in environments where users frequently interact with external resources or where print server configurations are not properly secured.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental memory safety issue. This weakness is particularly dangerous in the context of network applications where input validation is critical due to the exposure to untrusted data from remote sources. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically PowerShell or command-line interfaces, and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch to upgrade to Novell iPrint Client version 5.64 or later, which contains the necessary memory bounds checking and input validation fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to print server resources, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious printer URL patterns and potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of clicking on suspicious links and opening untrusted documents remains crucial in reducing the attack surface for this vulnerability.