CVE-2011-1703 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 driver-version parameter in a printer-url.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1703 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the nipplib.dll library of Novell iPrint Client versions prior to 5.64. This security weakness resides in the client-side component responsible for processing printer URLs and handling driver version parameters, creating a significant attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the iPrint client processes a malformed printer URL containing a crafted driver-version parameter, allowing attackers to manipulate heap memory allocation and potentially overwrite critical memory segments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the printer URL parsing mechanism of the Novell iPrint Client. When a user accesses a malicious printer URL containing an oversized driver-version parameter, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into a fixed-size heap buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The heap-based nature of this vulnerability means that memory corruption occurs in the heap segment rather than on the stack, making exploitation more complex but still highly dangerous.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1703 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads on targeted systems without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where iPrint clients are widely deployed. The vulnerability affects organizations using Novell iPrint Client versions before 5.64, creating widespread exposure across various networked printing infrastructures. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including prompt deployment of Novell iPrint Client version 5.64 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the heap buffer overflow vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of iPrint client components to untrusted networks and users. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious printer URL access patterns and malformed driver-version parameters. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting credential access and privilege escalation tactics. Organizations must also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable iPrint client versions and establish proper patch management procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.