CVE-2013-6475 in CUPS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in (1) OPVPOutputDev.cxx and (2) oprs/OPVPSplash.cxx in the pdftoopvp filter in CUPS and cups-filters before 1.0.47 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6475 represents a critical security flaw affecting the Common Unix Printing System and cups-filters software packages. This issue stems from multiple integer overflows occurring within the pdftoopvp filter component, specifically in two distinct source files: OPVPOutputDev.cxx and oprs/OPVPSplash.cxx. These files form part of the core printing infrastructure that processes PDF documents for output through CUPS-based systems. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 1.0.47, making older installations particularly susceptible to exploitation by remote attackers who can craft malicious PDF files to trigger the security flaw.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves integer overflow conditions that lead to heap-based buffer overflows when processing specially crafted PDF documents. When the pdftoopvp filter encounters a malformed PDF file, the integer overflows cause the system to allocate insufficient memory buffers for processing the document content. This memory allocation error creates conditions where subsequent data processing operations can write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw manifests in the conversion process from PDF format to print-ready output, where the filter's handling of integer values representing document dimensions, page counts, or other metadata parameters becomes compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable CUPS implementations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by preparing a malicious PDF file that, when processed through the affected printing system, triggers the integer overflow conditions. This allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the printing service, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on CUPS for print management, including enterprise environments where printing services are extensively used, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where multiple users interact with shared printing resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6475 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patch management procedures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to cups-filters version 1.0.47 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the integer overflow conditions. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable printing services to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for PDF documents processed through the printing system, monitoring for unusual print job patterns, and maintaining comprehensive logging of print activities for security analysis. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which categorizes integer overflows as a fundamental class of software flaws, and may be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for remote code execution through compromised services. The remediation process should also include verifying that all print servers and associated components have been properly updated and that proper security configurations are maintained to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the broader printing ecosystem.