this post was submitted on 29 Oct 2024
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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As far as I'm aware, the exploit requires someone to try printing using a malicious networked printer. It is a vulnerability, yes, but it affects essentially nobody. Who tries manually printing something on a server exposed to the internet?
Although for local network access, like in a corporation using Linux on desktops, the vulnerability is an actual risk.
I was thinking embedded clients would be the bigger issue. Stuff like POS machines, that sort of thing.
Even there, if the stars align (network access, cups being used), you still need to convince the user of the device to switch printer.
Ive worked with thermal printers used in POS, and usually they use a different protocol than notmal printing so you're not using cups (basically you send "commands" with text and its position). But i am sure there are some exceptions...
Even if you computer is not exposed to the internet: are you certain that every other device on the network is safe (even on public wifi)? Would you immediately raise the alarm if you saw a second printer in the list with the same name, or something like "Print to file"? I think I personally could fall for that under the right circumstances.
That was a possibility with this exploit, but realistically that doesn't affect nearly as many people as "All GNU/Linux systems".