CVE-2018-4181 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
In macOS High Sierra before 10.13.5, an issue existed in CUPS. This issue was addressed with improved access restrictions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4181 affects macOS High Sierra versions prior to 10.13.5 and resides within the Common Unix Printing System CUPS component. This issue represents a significant security flaw that could potentially allow unauthorized access to printing services and related system resources. The vulnerability specifically impacts the access control mechanisms implemented within CUPS, which is responsible for managing print jobs and printer configurations on unix-based systems including macOS. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of access permissions, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit the printing infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues. In the context of CUPS, this manifests as inadequate restrictions on who can access or modify print queue configurations, printer settings, or print job management functions. The flaw likely involves insufficient authentication checks or privilege escalation paths that allow local users or potentially remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to printing system components. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and could enable attackers to manipulate print services, potentially leading to information disclosure or system compromise through malicious print job execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4181 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass broader system security implications. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code through malicious print jobs, gain elevated privileges, or access sensitive information processed through the printing system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of print-related operations, which could contain sensitive data from business documents, personal communications, or system logs. In enterprise environments where centralized printing services are common, this weakness could enable attackers to establish persistent access points or escalate privileges through compromised print servers. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, as it could provide attackers with opportunities to elevate their privileges within the system.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to macOS 10.13.5 or later versions where Apple has addressed the access restriction issues in CUPS. System administrators should also review and harden print server configurations, implement proper network segmentation for printing services, and monitor print job activities for suspicious behavior. The fix addresses the core access control problem by implementing stronger authentication mechanisms and improved privilege validation within the CUPS printing subsystem. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary print services, implementing proper user access controls, and ensuring that print queues are configured with appropriate security settings to prevent unauthorized modifications or access to sensitive print operations.