CISA Includes PaperCut NG/MF CSRF Vulnerability in KEV Catalog Due to Ongoing Exploits

 
Date: July 29, 2025
Category: Vulnerability / Software Security

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added a critical security vulnerability affecting PaperCut NG/MF print management software to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, highlighting its active exploitation. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-2533 (CVSS score: 8.4), is a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) flaw that could lead to remote code execution. CISA warned that this vulnerability may allow attackers to modify security settings or execute arbitrary code in certain scenarios. Widely used in schools, businesses, and government offices, PaperCut NG/MF helps manage print jobs and control network printers. Given that the admin console typically operates on internal web servers, an exploited vulnerability could provide attackers with easy access to larger systems if left unattended.

CISA Adds High-Severity PaperCut NG/MF Vulnerability to KEV Catalog Amid Rising Exploits

On July 29, 2025, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) officially included a critical vulnerability affecting the PaperCut NG/MF print management software in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. This addition comes in response to confirmed instances of active exploitation, emphasizing the urgent need for users to address the identified risk. The vulnerability, designated as CVE-2023-2533, carries a CVSS score of 8.4, indicating its severity and potential impact.

CISA characterized the flaw as a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability, which could enable remote code execution under specific circumstances. According to CISA’s advisory, such an exploit might allow malicious actors to manipulate security configurations or execute arbitrary code within affected systems. The PaperCut NG/MF software is prevalent among educational institutions, corporate entities, and government agencies for managing print tasks and regulating networked printers. Given that the administrative interface often operates on internal web servers, the exploitation of this specific vulnerability may offer attackers a gateway to infiltrate broader organizational networks, posing significant security threats.

The nature of the PaperCut NG/MF vulnerability raises the stakes for organizations utilizing this software. Schools, businesses, and public sector institutions are especially at risk, as the vulnerability can compromise sensitive data and systems if not promptly mitigated. As attackers continually refine their strategies, organizations must remain vigilant in safeguarding against such threats.

In terms of attack methodologies, the exploitation of this vulnerability may align with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Initial access could be achieved through social engineering or phishing methods, leading to the deployment of CSRF attacks that manipulate user sessions. Once inside, an adversary might employ persistence techniques to maintain access or escalate privileges to gain greater control of vulnerable systems. Such capabilities underscore the necessity for organizations to enforce rigorous security practices and keep abreast of vulnerability updates.

Business owners must prioritize updating and securing their installations of PaperCut NG/MF to prevent potential exploitation. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the continuous evolution of cyber threats and the imperative to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures. The immediate risk associated with CVE-2023-2533 underlines the importance of maintaining robust security protocols, staff training, and timely software updates in safeguarding against potential breaches. As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated, the onus remains on organizations to adapt and fortify their defenses against emerging vulnerabilities.

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