CVE-2024-47076 in libcupsfilters
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2024
CUPS is a standards-based, open-source printing system, and `libcupsfilters` contains the code of the filters of the former `cups-filters` package as library functions to be used for the data format conversion tasks needed in Printer Applications. The `cfGetPrinterAttributes5` function in `libcupsfilters` does not sanitize IPP attributes returned from an IPP server. When these IPP attributes are used, for instance, to generate a PPD file, this can lead to attacker controlled data to be provided to the rest of the CUPS system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47076 resides within the libcupsfilters library component of the Common Unix Printing System which serves as a foundational printing infrastructure for Unix-like operating systems. This library function acts as a bridge between IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) servers and the CUPS printing system, facilitating data format conversions essential for printer application functionality. The flaw manifests in the cfGetPrinterAttributes5 function which fails to properly sanitize IPP attributes received from remote IPP servers during the attribute retrieval process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the IPP attribute processing pipeline. When the cfGetPrinterAttributes5 function retrieves attributes from an IPP server, it directly incorporates these values into subsequent processing steps without adequate sanitization measures. This oversight allows maliciously crafted IPP attributes to propagate through the system unfiltered, creating a potential injection vector for attacker-controlled data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because IPP attributes can contain various data types including strings, integers, and complex structures that may be interpreted by downstream components within the CUPS ecosystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, potentially enabling privilege escalation and remote code execution scenarios. When IPP attributes are used to generate PPD (PostScript Printer Description) files, attacker-controlled data can be embedded within these configuration files, which are then processed by the CUPS system. This creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate printer configurations, inject malicious content into print jobs, or potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the CUPS service. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on libcupsfilters for IPP attribute processing, particularly those with network-accessible print servers or printers that communicate via IPP protocol.
Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation," and it aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and command execution through service manipulation. The attack surface is broad as any system utilizing CUPS with IPP printer communication is potentially vulnerable, including enterprise print servers, workstation environments, and cloud-based printing solutions. Organizations running affected versions of CUPS and libcupsfilters should prioritize patching to prevent exploitation. Mitigation strategies include implementing network segmentation to limit IPP server access, monitoring IPP traffic for anomalous attribute values, and ensuring proper input validation at all system boundaries. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of sanitizing external inputs in printing systems where configuration data can directly influence system behavior and potentially provide attackers with elevated privileges.