CVE-2013-6474 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the pdftoopvp filter in CUPS and cups-filters before 1.0.47 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6474 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the pdftoopvp filter component of the Common Unix Printing System CUPS and its associated cups-filters package. This flaw exists in versions prior to 1.0.47 and creates a remote code execution pathway that adversaries can exploit through the careful crafting of malicious PDF files. The pdftoopvp filter serves as an intermediary component responsible for converting PDF documents into formats suitable for printing, making it a crucial element in the document processing pipeline that handles untrusted input from network sources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the heap memory allocation routines of the pdftoopvp filter. When processing PDF files, the filter performs operations that involve copying data into heap-allocated buffers without proper validation of input lengths or buffer capacities. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to craft PDF documents that deliberately exceed the allocated buffer sizes, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that the corruption affects dynamically allocated memory segments, making exploitation more complex but no less dangerous than stack-based counterparts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to print server security and network infrastructure. Since CUPS systems are commonly deployed in enterprise environments and often accessible over networks, the remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise print servers without requiring physical access or local privileges. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1203 technique for exploitation of remote services, and it demonstrates the critical nature of input validation in filter and conversion utilities. The affected systems become potential entry points for broader network attacks, as compromised print servers can serve as staging areas for further reconnaissance or lateral movement within the network.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability must implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to cups-filters version 1.0.47 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the heap overflow conditions. Additional defensive measures should encompass network segmentation of print server environments, implementing strict input validation for PDF processing pipelines, and monitoring for anomalous print job behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, emphasizing that memory safety issues remain persistent threats in print system implementations. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PDF file transfers and establish comprehensive patch management procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of the printing infrastructure.