Novell iPrint Client ActiveX control contains a buffer overflow vulnerability in the nipplib.dll library that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service condition or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. Updates are available.
Description
Novell iPrint Client versions 4.36 and 5.04 contain a buffer overflow vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition or execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability is due to insufficient boundary checking in the nipplib.dll library. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a malicious website that is designed to trigger a buffer overflow condition. An exploit could allow the attacker to cause a DoS condition or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Novell confirmed this vulnerability and released a field test file update.
Warning Indicators
Novell iPrint Client versions 4.36 and 5.04 are vulnerable.
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must convince a user to visit a malicious URL with a browser that supports ActiveX controls, such as Internet Explorer. An attacker may provide URLs in an e-mail or other form of messaging to users in directed attacks. An exploit could allow the attacker to cause the user's browser to terminate or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. On systems where users run programs with Administrator privileges, the attacker could execute code that may result in complete system compromise.
The field test file update available from Novell may correct this vulnerability. However, the update has not been tested to ensure stability. Administrators may consider testing the updates or putting into place other mitigation.
Vendor Announcements
Novell has released patch notes available at the following link: Novell 5033261
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause a DoS condition or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If the targeted user holds Administrator privileges, the attacker could execute code that could completely compromise the system.
Technical Information
The vulnerability exists because the nipplib.dll library in the ActiveX control (ienipp.ocx) fails to properly perform boundary checking on user-supplied input.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to trigger a buffer overflow condition by convincing a targeted user to follow a URL to a malicious website designed to input an overly long string to one of the GetServerVersion(), GetResourceList(), or DeleteResource() methods. If successful, an attacker could cause the user's browser to crash, resulting in a DoS condition, or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user who launched the browser.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to contact the vendor regarding information on updates and releases.
Users are advised not to follow unsolicited links. Users should verify the authenticity of an unexpected link from a trusted source prior to following it.
Users are advised to run applications with the least necessary privileges.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems for signs of suspicious activity.
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
Novell, Inc.
iPrint Client
4 .36 | 5 .04
Associated Products:
N/A
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