Insecure Connection in system-config-printer

system-config-printer Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

29/11/2011
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

CVE-2011-4405: The cupshelpers scripts in system-config-printer in Ubuntu 11.04 and 11.10, as used by the automatic printer driver download service, uses an "insecure connection" for queries to the OpenPrinting database, which allows r... Affects system-config-printer versions < 1.3.7-1. Fixed in 1.3.7-1. How to fix ↓

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Background

system-config-printer is a package used in Ubuntu 11.04 and 11.10 for managing printers. It includes the cupshelpers scripts, which are responsible for the automatic printer driver download service. This service queries the OpenPrinting database to download printer drivers. However, the cupshelpers scripts use an insecure connection for these queries, making them vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability (CVE-2011-4405) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by modifying packages or repositories during the insecure queries to the OpenPrinting database. This means that an attacker could intercept the queries and inject malicious code, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary commands on the affected system.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.3.7-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade system-config-printer

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Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The insecure connection vulnerability in system-config-printer can be mitigated by updating to the latest version of the package. It is important to promptly apply security patches to protect against potential attacks. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

system-config-printer is a package used in Ubuntu 11.04 and 11.10 for managing printers. It includes the cupshelpers scripts, which are responsible for the automatic printer driver download service.

The OpenPrinting database is a repository of printer drivers that can be automatically downloaded by system-config-printer. It is used to provide driver compatibility for various printer models.

A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber attack where an attacker intercepts communication between two parties without their knowledge. In this case, the attacker can modify the packages or repositories during the insecure queries to the OpenPrinting database.

By modifying the packages or repositories during the insecure queries, an attacker can inject malicious code. This code can potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary commands on the affected system, giving the attacker unauthorized access and control.

To protect your system, it is recommended to update the system-config-printer package to version 1.3.7-1 or later. This will ensure that the insecure connection is replaced with a secure one when querying the OpenPrinting database.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for system-config-printer.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.3.7-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade system-config-printer

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