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CVE-2024-47850: High Vulnerability in CUPS cups-browsed

CVE-2024-47850 presents a high-severity vulnerability affecting CUPS cups-browsed before version 2.5b1. This flaw allows for potential DDoS amplification attacks via HTTP POST requests, necessitating immediate attention from organizations.

HIGHCVSS 7.5 · Published October 4, 2024

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CVE-2024-47850 is a high-severity vulnerability that affects CUPS cups-browsed versions prior to 2.5b1. This vulnerability allows the software to send an HTTP POST request to an arbitrary destination and port in response to a single IPP UDP packet that requests a printer to be added. This behavior is distinct from the previously identified CVE-2024-47176. The request, which is intended to probe the new printer, can be exploited for DDoS amplification attacks.

With a CVSS score of 7.5, this vulnerability falls into the high severity category, indicating significant risk to organizations. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to launch denial-of-service attacks by directing the crafted requests toward targeted endpoints.

The urgency for defenders to address this vulnerability is high, as it poses a real threat to network availability. Organizations should prioritize remediation efforts to prevent potential exploitation. It is recommended to monitor the situation closely, as further analysis may yield additional insights into the impact and exploitation vectors.

Currently, there is no confirmed public exploit available for this vulnerability, and it has not been categorized as actively exploited in the wild.

Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. Regularly updating systems and applying security patches is essential in maintaining a secure infrastructure.

For further details on best practices for securing your systems, organizations can refer to security resources and guidelines.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability in question involves the CUPS cups-browsed component, specifically versions prior to 2.5b1. The issue arises from the handling of IPP UDP packets, leading to the unintended behavior of sending arbitrary HTTP POST requests. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-400, indicating the possibility of resource exhaustion or denial of service.

The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. This indicates that the attack vector is network-based, complexity is low, and no privileges or user interaction are required to exploit it. The impact on availability is high, while confidentiality and integrity are not affected.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2024-47850 lies in the design of the cups-browsed component. When it receives an IPP UDP packet requesting a printer to be added, it improperly formulates and sends an HTTP POST request to an arbitrary destination, which can be exploited by attackers. The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote attackers to engage without physical access to the system.

The attack complexity is low, with no privileges required and no user interaction necessary. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be easily exploited by malicious actors. The impact on availability is categorized as high, and there are no impacts on confidentiality or integrity.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Real-world deployment risk for CVE-2024-47850 is significant, as organizations relying on CUPS cups-browsed for printing services could face denial-of-service scenarios. The potential blast radius is broad, affecting any networked printer that relies on the vulnerable software. This issue emphasizes the importance of maintaining updated software to mitigate risks.

Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The severity of the CVSS score and the exploitability of the vulnerability highlight the urgency for remediation.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

Affected versions of CUPS cups-browsed include all versions prior to 2.5b1. Organizations using these versions should apply the necessary patches to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Mitigation & Remediation

To effectively mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2024-47850, organizations should upgrade to CUPS cups-browsed version 2.5b1 or later. If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations can implement network controls to restrict access to the vulnerable services, thereby minimizing exposure.

For further guidance on penetration testing and security assessments, organizations can refer to our penetration testing services to ensure comprehensive security measures are in place.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for unusual HTTP POST requests emanating from CUPS cups-browsed services. Behavioral anomalies, such as repeated requests to arbitrary endpoints, may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns can help detect potential DDoS amplification activity.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2024-47850 highlights the need for continuous monitoring and timely updates to software components, particularly those exposed to network interactions. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the evolving threat landscape and the importance of proactive security measures.

Security teams should also consider the broader implications of DDoS amplification attacks, as they can lead to substantial service disruptions. For further information on securing your infrastructure, refer to our resources on penetration testing methodologies and our vulnerability management program design for comprehensive strategies.

Lastly, organizations should remain vigilant and adapt their security postures as new threats emerge to safeguard their network environments.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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