CVE-2024-47076 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) affecting the libcupsfilters library, part of the OpenPrinting CUPS system widely used for managing print jobs and printer configurations. The vulnerability exists in the cfGetPrinterAttributes5 function, which retrieves IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) attributes from an IPP server but does not properly sanitize these attributes before using them. Since these attributes can be attacker-controlled, maliciously crafted IPP responses can inject harmful data into the CUPS system, particularly when generating PPD (PostScript Printer Description) files. This can lead to a compromise of the integrity of the printing system, allowing attackers to manipulate printer configurations or potentially execute further attacks within the printing environment. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.6, reflecting its high severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable one. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the impact potential is significant. The affected versions are libcupsfilters up to 2.1b1, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability highlights the risks of insufficient input validation in network-facing services, especially in critical infrastructure components like printing systems that are often overlooked in security hardening.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the integrity of printing infrastructure, which is often integrated into broader IT and operational technology environments. Attackers exploiting this flaw could manipulate printer configurations, potentially causing denial of service through misconfiguration or enabling further lateral movement within networks by corrupting trusted printing workflows. Critical sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing that rely on secure and reliable printing services could experience operational disruptions or data integrity issues. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network, it increases the attack surface, especially in environments where IPP servers are exposed or insufficiently segmented. The lack of user interaction further simplifies exploitation. Given the widespread use of CUPS in Linux-based systems, including many enterprise and public sector deployments across Europe, the potential impact is broad. Additionally, compromised printing systems could be used as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks targeting sensitive data or critical infrastructure.

Organizations should prioritize upgrading libcupsfilters to versions later than 2.1b1 once official patches are released by the OpenPrinting project. Until patches are available, network administrators should restrict access to IPP servers by implementing strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure to trusted hosts only. Monitoring and logging IPP traffic for anomalous or unexpected attribute values can help detect exploitation attempts. Employing application-layer filtering or proxying for IPP communications may reduce risk by sanitizing inputs before they reach vulnerable components. Additionally, organizations should review and harden printer configurations and access controls to minimize the impact of potential manipulation. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on printing infrastructure can identify exposure. Finally, raising awareness among IT and security teams about this vulnerability will ensure timely response and patch management.