CVE-2011-4185 in iPrint
Summary
by MITRE
The GetPrinterURLList2 method in the ActiveX control in Novell iPrint Client before 5.78 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-2431 and CVE-2008-2436.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4185 affects the Novell iPrint Client ActiveX control version 5.77 and earlier on Windows systems, specifically targeting the GetPrinterURLList2 method within the iPrint Client component. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions through memory corruption. The vulnerability operates within the context of ActiveX controls, which are components designed to provide extended functionality within web browsers and other applications, making them prime targets for exploitation due to their privileged execution environment and broad deployment across enterprise networks.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the GetPrinterURLList2 method of the Novell iPrint Client ActiveX control. When processing certain input parameters, the method fails to properly validate or sanitize data structures, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious input that can overwrite memory locations or manipulate execution flow, resulting in arbitrary code execution capabilities or system crashes. The vulnerability specifically affects Windows environments where the iPrint Client ActiveX control is installed and potentially accessible through web browsers or other applications that load the control. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, both of which are fundamental memory corruption issues that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4185 extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a significant risk to enterprise network security and system integrity. Organizations utilizing Novell iPrint Client software are particularly vulnerable since the ActiveX control can be loaded through web browsers, making exploitation possible through web-based attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent access within the network. The vulnerability's potential for denial of service creates additional operational risks, as system availability can be compromised through memory corruption attacks that cause application crashes or system instability. The fact that this vulnerability is separate from previously identified issues like CVE-2008-2431 and CVE-2008-2436 indicates that it represents a distinct attack surface requiring specific mitigation measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4185 should focus on immediate patch deployment and network-based controls to prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations must upgrade to Novell iPrint Client version 5.78 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the memory corruption vulnerability in the GetPrinterURLList2 method. System administrators should also implement browser security configurations that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, making it critical for security teams to implement both endpoint and network-based defenses. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected iPrint Client versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.