Arbitrary Command Execution in CUPS Printer Framework

cups Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

22/02/2018
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

DLA-1288-1: cups - security update. Affects cups versions < 1.5.3-5+deb7u7. Fixed in 1.5.3-5+deb7u7. How to fix ↓

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Background

CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is a printing system for Unix-like operating systems that allows users to print files and manage print jobs. It provides a portable printing layer for applications and supports a variety of printing protocols. CUPS is widely used in Linux distributions and is the default printing system in many of them. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in CUPS that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by sending specially crafted POST requests to the CUPS daemon in conjunction with DNS rebinding.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in CUPS is caused by a whitelisted localhost.localdomain entry, which can be exploited by remote attackers. By sending POST requests to the CUPS daemon, attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential compromise of the entire system. The vulnerability has been assigned the CVE identifier CVE-2017-18190.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.5.3-5+deb7u7

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade cups

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Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by implementing network-level security measures such as firewall rules to restrict access to the CUPS daemon from untrusted sources. Additionally, regular monitoring and patching of the system can help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in the CUPS printer framework allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. To mitigate this risk, it is important to upgrade the CUPS package to the fixed version. Regular monitoring and patching of the system can also help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is a printing system for Unix-like operating systems that allows users to print files and manage print jobs.

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and compromise of the entire system.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the CUPS package to version 1.5.3-5+deb7u7 or later.

While there is no specific workaround mentioned, implementing network-level security measures and regularly monitoring and patching the system can help mitigate the risk.

The vulnerability has been assigned the CVE identifier CVE-2017-18190.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for cups.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.5.3-5+deb7u7

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade cups

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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