PaperCut NG, PaperCut MF: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2024-4712 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in PaperCut NG, PaperCut MF from PaperCut, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 23.0.9 as the first without the flaw, so updating PaperCut NG, PaperCut MF to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.41% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update PaperCut NG, PaperCut MF to 23.0.9 or a later version.
- Update Papercut Mf to 23.0.9 or a later version.
- Update Papercut Ng to 23.0.9 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on papercut.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| PaperCut | PaperCut NG, PaperCut MF | before 23.0.9 | 23.0.9 |
| Papercut | Papercut Mf | before 23.0.9 | 23.0.9 |
| Papercut | Papercut Ng | before 23.0.9 | 23.0.9 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
An arbitrary file creation vulnerability exists in PaperCut NG/MF that only affects Windows servers with Web Print enabled. This specific flaw exists within the image-handler process, which can incorrectly create files that don’t exist when a maliciously formed payload is provided. This can lead to local privilege escalation. Note: This CVE has been split into two (CVE-2024-4712 and CVE-2024-8405) and it’s been rescored with a "Privileges Required (PR)" rating of low, and “Attack Complexity (AC)” rating of low, reflecting the worst-case scenario where an Administrator has granted local login access to standard network users on the host server.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in PaperCut NG, PaperCut MF
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 8.0 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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