PaperCut NG/MF Missing Authentication for Critical Function Vulnerability (CVE-2026-81578)
Severity: critical · Patch status: patched · Since 2026-08-31 · CVE-2026-81578
PaperCut NG/MF contains a missing authentication for critical function vulnerability which allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to modify certain system configurations. This vulnerability can be chained with CVE-2026-82078. CISA added CVE-2026-81578 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Aug 31, 2026, which means attackers are exploiting it in the wild.
What to do
- Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
- US federal agencies must remediate by Sep 14, 2026 (BOD 22-01); treat that as the outer limit.
Sources
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