CVE-2026-55480

What it is

OpenPrinting CUPS is an open source printing system for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. Prior to 2.4.20, copy_model() in scheduler/ipp.c creates a predictable TempDir/<connection-number>.ppd path in an lp-group-writable directory and opens it as root without O_EXCL or O_NOFOLLOW. Exploitation requires an lp-group process able to write that directory to predict the connection-derived name and plant a symlink before the root open, while a privileged add-printer or modify-printer operation using a model PPD triggers copy_model(). The reporter treats an existing lp foothold and the privileged operation as distinct prerequisites, while the maintainer assesses high privileges because installing the relevant filter or administering the printer requires root or print-administrator access. If the race succeeds, the root scheduler follows the symlink and truncates or overwrites a root-writable target with generated PPD data, compromising file integrity or availability. This issue is fixed in version 2.4.20.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-10-15 18:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-20 19:37 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.7 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-10-15 18:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-20 19:37 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-59

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Openprinting Cups < 2.4.20

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.7

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-55480.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-55480. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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