UNIX CUPS Remote Code Execution

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UNIX CUPS Remote Code Execution

The Fallacy of Default Trust

“Hello! I’m a Printer! Please Let Me In, thank you!” – It may sound absurd, but this is how attackers can trick your system through the cups-browsed service.

With open ports and weak default configurations, your Linux environment might be more exposed than you think.

In this thrilling episode of Threat Talks, Lieuwe-Jan Koning reveals, with ON2IT’s Rob Maas and Luca Cipriano how a seemingly harmless printer can turn into a hacker’s gateway to your network.

Tune in to learn how these vulnerabilities can be exploited and, more importantly, how to secure your systems before it’s too late!

 

Explore the Hack’s Route in Detail

Find a complete overview of the UNIX CUPS Remote Code Execution and other attacks featured in Breaking the Illusion: Exposing Security Fallacies:

Your cybersecurity experts

Lieuwe Jan Koning, Co-Founder and CTO, ON2IT

Lieuwe Jan Koning

Co-Founder and CTO, ON2IT Group

Luca Cipriano, Threat Intel Specialst, ON2IT

Luca Cipriano

Threat Intel Specialist, ON2IT

Rob Maas, Field CTO, ON2IT

Rob Maas

Field CTO, ON2IT

Episode details

Like any other system, the Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS) used by Linux distributions has lurking vulnerabilities.

Lieuwe Jan Koning, Rob Maas and Luca Cipriano, take you through a real-world vulnerability that allows attackers to disguise themselves as printers, gaining unauthorized access to your network. What makes this attack particularly dangerous is that it exploits a default setting in many Linux distributions, often going unnoticed for years.

You will learn how attackers leverage UDP 637 to trick your system into recognizing them as a trusted printer. Rob and Luca break down how malicious actors use the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) to send malicious packets, leading to the execution of harmful code on your device. They’ll also cover how attackers can chain multiple vulnerabilities to fully compromise your system.

But don’t worry—our experts have valuable tips for you for securing your systems, from segmenting networks to disabling unnecessary services like CUPS. This is a must-listen for IT professionals managing Linux environments and anyone interested in the evolving tactics of cyber attackers.

 

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