CVE-2011-4405 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The cupshelpers scripts in system-config-printer in Ubuntu 11.04 and 11.10, as used by the automatic printer driver download service, uses an "insecure connection" for queries to the OpenPrinting database, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack that modifies packages or repositories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4405 represents a critical security flaw in the system-config-printer package affecting Ubuntu 11.04 and 11.10 systems. This issue specifically targets the cupshelpers scripts that facilitate automatic printer driver downloads through integration with the OpenPrinting database. The core weakness lies in the implementation of insecure network connections during database queries, creating an exploitable attack vector for malicious actors positioned within the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper cryptographic security measures during communication with the OpenPrinting database. When the system-config-printer service attempts to download printer driver information, it establishes connections using unencrypted protocols that lack authentication and data integrity verification. This insecure communication channel exposes the system to man-in-the-middle attacks where attackers can intercept, modify, or replace the data being transmitted between the client and the database server. The flaw directly maps to CWE-319, which categorizes weaknesses related to exposing sensitive information through improper use of cryptographic protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables remote code execution capabilities for attackers. Through successful MITM exploitation, malicious actors can modify the packages or repositories returned by the OpenPrinting database, potentially injecting malicious code into the printer driver installation process. This creates a persistent threat vector that could compromise entire networked printing environments, especially in enterprise settings where multiple systems rely on automatic driver downloads. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be executed by threat actors with basic network monitoring capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4405 should focus on implementing secure communication protocols and strengthening the overall security posture of printer management systems. Organizations should immediately disable the automatic printer driver download feature until proper cryptographic security measures are implemented. The recommended approach involves configuring systems to use encrypted connections with certificate validation for all database queries, ensuring that the OpenPrinting database communications utilize HTTPS or similar secure protocols. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns and consider deploying network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters, as the malicious code injection could occur through compromised driver installation processes. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of system-config-printer, implementing proper certificate pinning mechanisms, and establishing regular security audits of printer management configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.