CVE-2013-1091 in iPrint
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Novell iPrint Client before 5.90 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The CVE-2013-1091 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Novell iPrint Client versions prior to 5.90. This vulnerability exists within the client software that enables users to connect to Novell iPrint print servers and manage print jobs remotely. The buffer overflow occurs when the application processes certain input data structures without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition in the program's memory management. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a common and dangerous class of memory corruption vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to craft malicious input that triggers the buffer overflow condition within the iPrint Client application. When the vulnerable client processes specific network requests or print job data, the insufficient input validation causes data to overflow into adjacent memory locations on the stack. This memory corruption can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information, allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the running process. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack surfaces within the client application could be leveraged to trigger this condition, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1091 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to systems running vulnerable iPrint Client software. Organizations that rely on Novell iPrint for print management are at risk of unauthorized access to their print infrastructure, potential data exfiltration through compromised print jobs, and possible lateral movement within their network. The vulnerability affects environments where iPrint Client is used for remote print job submission, document processing, or network print server communication, creating multiple potential attack vectors for threat actors. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network connectivity is common.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1091 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected systems with Novell iPrint Client version 5.90 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to print servers and reduce the attack surface available to potential attackers. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious print job requests, implementing network access controls to restrict communication with iPrint servers, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable applications. The remediation process should also include educating end users about the risks of processing untrusted print jobs and implementing proper access controls for print server configurations. Security teams should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, as the attack patterns may be detectable through network monitoring tools.