External risk intelligence

PaperCut NG/MF Authentication Bypass Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-27351

A vulnerability in PaperCut NG/MF software allows remote attackers to bypass authentication. This could enable unauthorized access to business systems and data. Organizations using the affected software face a risk of system compromise.

4Halo Surface Signal

Authentication Bypass

Papercut Mf

15.0 to before 20.1.721.0.0 to before 21.2.1122.0.0 to before 22.0.9

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-27351

PaperCut NG/MF is print management software commonly deployed as a network-accessible web service for user portals and administrative interfaces. These interfaces are often exposed to internal networks and, in many common deployment patterns, are reachable via the public internet to facilitate remote printing or administrative management.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability impacts PaperCut NG and PaperCut MF software. The core issue lies in an improper implementation of the authentication algorithm within the SecurityRequestFilter class. This flaw permits unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass system authentication.

  • Affected software components
  • Authentication bypass flaw
  • Compromised system access

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The vulnerability affects PaperCut NG and PaperCut MF software. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to bypass authentication on the affected system. This bypass allows unauthorized access to the system, potentially leading to further compromise. The vulnerability exists within the SecurityRequestFilter class due to an improper implementation of the authentication algorithm.

  • Network exposure required
  • Attacker sends crafted request
  • Bypasses authentication, gains access

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk, as it allows unauthorized access to affected systems. Attackers can bypass authentication without any special privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized actions within the system. The ease of exploitation and the ability to bypass authentication make this a critical concern for organizations using the affected software.

  • Attackers can bypass authentication.
  • Authentication is not required to exploit.
  • Business risk is high.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication on affected PaperCut installations. The issue stems from an improper implementation of the authentication algorithm within the SecurityRequestFilter class. Exploiting this vulnerability does not require prior authentication.

  • Find affected PaperCut assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is PaperCut NG and PaperCut MF software?

PaperCut NG and PaperCut MF are software solutions used for print management within organizations. They help control and track printing, manage user accounts, and enforce printing policies.

What kind of vulnerability is CVE-2023-27351?

CVE-2023-27351 is an authentication bypass vulnerability. This means an attacker can get into the system without needing to provide valid login credentials, due to an improper implementation of the authentication algorithm in the SecurityRequestFilter class.

How can an attacker exploit this CVE-2023-27351 vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to the affected PaperCut system. Authentication is not required to initiate the exploit, and the attacker can leverage the flaw to bypass the system's authentication mechanisms.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2023-27351?

Organizations using PaperCut NG or PaperCut MF should be concerned. This software is often set up as a web service that can be accessed over a network, potentially from the internet, making it a target for external threats.

What are the first steps to address CVE-2023-27351?

First, identify all instances of the affected PaperCut software within your environment. Then, take steps to reduce or isolate the risk associated with these systems. Finally, apply any available fixes or patches from PaperCut and monitor the systems to ensure the vulnerability is resolved.

References