CVE-2024-45062 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in OpenPrinting's ippusbxd version 1.34, a daemon that facilitates IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) over USB connections. The flaw stems from improper handling of data sent by a connected printer device that supports IPP-over-USB. Specifically, a maliciously crafted printer device can send data that overflows a stack buffer within ippusbxd, leading to memory corruption. This corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the ippusbxd service, which typically runs with elevated permissions to manage printing tasks. The attack vector requires physical access to the target system to connect the malicious USB device, and no user interaction or authentication is necessary to trigger the vulnerability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow), indicating a classic memory safety issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity level due to the requirement for physical access and high attack complexity (AC:H). The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as arbitrary code execution can lead to system takeover. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed promptly. ippusbxd is commonly used in Linux environments to enable printing over USB, making systems running Linux-based operating systems with ippusbxd 1.34 vulnerable if exposed to untrusted USB devices. The vulnerability underscores the risks associated with trusting USB devices and the need for strict device control policies in environments where ippusbxd is deployed.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-45062 can be significant in environments where ippusbxd is deployed, particularly in enterprises, government agencies, and manufacturing sectors that rely on Linux-based printing infrastructure. Successful exploitation would allow an attacker with physical access to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. This could result in data breaches, disruption of printing services, lateral movement within networks, and deployment of persistent malware. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers could access sensitive documents or system data. Integrity and availability are also threatened due to potential system manipulation or denial of printing services. Although exploitation requires physical access, insider threats or supply chain attacks involving malicious USB devices could leverage this vulnerability. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate risk, but the privileged execution context elevates the potential damage. Organizations with lax USB device controls or those in high-security environments should consider this vulnerability a serious concern. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future attacks.

To mitigate CVE-2024-45062, European organizations should implement several targeted measures beyond generic advice: 1) Disable ippusbxd if IPP-over-USB printing is not required, reducing the attack surface. 2) Apply strict USB device control policies using endpoint security solutions to whitelist authorized USB devices and block untrusted or unknown devices. 3) Physically secure systems to prevent unauthorized USB device connections, especially in sensitive or public areas. 4) Monitor system logs and USB device events for unusual activity indicative of attempted exploitation. 5) Consider network segmentation to isolate printing infrastructure from critical systems. 6) Stay alert for vendor patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7) Educate staff about the risks of connecting unknown USB devices. 8) Use kernel-level or OS-level protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization (ASLR) to reduce exploitation success. 9) Employ application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution. These steps collectively reduce the likelihood and impact of exploitation.