CVE-2011-1702 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 file-date-time parameter in a printer-url.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1702 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the nipplib.dll library component of Novell iPrint Client software versions prior to 5.64. This vulnerability exists in the handling of printer-url parameters, specifically when processing a crafted file-date-time parameter that can trigger memory corruption conditions. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the print client's parsing routines, creating a condition where maliciously formatted data can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap allocation space. Such buffer overflow conditions are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition without requiring local access, making it a significant threat vector for network-based attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic heap overflow pattern where the crafted file-date-time parameter in the printer-url causes the application to allocate insufficient memory for the parsed data, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical program execution structures. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader weakness of insufficient boundary checking. The flaw demonstrates poor memory management practices and inadequate input sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially redirect program execution flow through stack or heap corruption. The heap-based nature of this vulnerability means that the attacker's payload can be injected into heap memory locations that are subsequently executed, making the exploitation more reliable than stack-based alternatives.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments that rely on Novell iPrint Client for printing services, particularly in scenarios where users might encounter malicious printer URLs through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or social engineering attacks. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. Organizations using affected versions of the iPrint Client may experience unauthorized access to sensitive documents, system compromise, and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges associated with the print client application to gain broader system access and potentially establish backdoors for continued unauthorized access.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through official patching from Novell, specifically upgrading to iPrint Client version 5.64 or later where the heap overflow conditions have been addressed. Network administrators should implement strict controls over printer URL handling and consider disabling automatic printer URL processing where possible. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of unauthorized code, while network segmentation and firewall rules can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected iPrint Client versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious printer URL access patterns and potential exploitation attempts, with appropriate incident response procedures established to handle potential compromise scenarios. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in client-side applications that process untrusted data from network sources.