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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2023-27351

HighExploitedPublic exploit

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication on affected installations of PaperCut NG 22.0.5 (Build 63914).

Published Apr 25, 2023 · Updated Oct 1, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2023-27351 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Papercut Mf, Papercut Ng, NG.
  • It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 28, 2023 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 78% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including Papercut Mf 20.1.7, Papercut Mf 21.2.11, Papercut Mf 22.0.9.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

7.5

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

78%

Higher than 99.5% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

Yes

4 catalog listings, used by ransomware

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2023-27351 brief as a PDF

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Description

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication on affected installations of PaperCut NG 22.0.5 (Build 63914). Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the SecurityRequestFilter class. The issue results from improper implementation of the authentication algorithm. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. Was ZDI-CAN-19226.

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
CISA KEVApr 20, 2026May 4, 2026Known
Industry KEV feedApr 28, 2023May 4, 2026Known
CIRCL KEVApr 18, 2026May 4, 2026Not reported
ENISA EUVDApr 20, 2026n/aNot reported

Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Products

3 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
Papercut MfPapercutSee advisory20.1.7
Papercut NgPapercutSee advisory20.1.7
NG>= 22.0.5 (Build 63914)n/a

Patched Releases

Papercut Mf

20.1.7, 21.2.11, 22.0.9

Papercut Ng

20.1.7, 21.2.11, 22.0.9

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Apr 25, 2023

  2. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Apr 28, 2023

  3. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Apr 18, 2026

  4. Added to CISA KEV

    Apr 20, 2026

  5. Added to ENISA EUVD

    Apr 20, 2026

  6. Last updated

    Oct 1, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-287 Improper Authentication

References

12 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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