CVE-2011-1701 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 profile-name parameter in a printer-url.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1701 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the nipplib.dll library of Novell iPrint Client software. This issue affects versions prior to 5.64 and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing printer URL parameters, specifically targeting the profile-name component. The flaw exists at the application layer where user-supplied data is improperly handled, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the memory management subsystem of the iPrint Client application where heap allocation and data copying operations fail to properly validate the length of incoming profile-name parameters. When a maliciously crafted printer URL containing an excessively long profile-name value is processed, the application attempts to copy this data into a pre-allocated heap buffer without sufficient bounds checking. This oversight results in memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the vulnerable application process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments that utilize Novell iPrint Client for document management and printing services. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring local access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with persistent access to print server infrastructure and associated network resources. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classifications and maps to attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the deployment of Novell's official patch releases addressing the heap overflow issue in nipplib.dll. Additionally, network segmentation strategies should be implemented to isolate print server infrastructure from critical network segments, reducing the potential blast radius of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious printer URL patterns and unusual network traffic originating from print client systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in client-side applications, reinforcing industry best practices outlined in secure coding standards and emphasizing the need for regular security assessments of enterprise software components.