Vulnerability record · CVE-2006-5854 · published 3 December 2006
CVE-2006-5854: Novell NetWare Client Spooler buffer overflows allow remote code execution
Novell · Netware Client
The Spooler service (nwspool.dll) in Novell NetWare Client 4.91 through 4.91 SP2 contains multiple buffer overflows reachable through long arguments to the EnumPrinters and OpenPrinter functions. Because the flaw is remotely reachable without authentication and can lead to arbitrary code execution, it is a serious pre-auth risk for hosts running the affected client.
Description
Multiple buffer overflows in the Spooler service (nwspool.dll) in Novell Netware Client 4.91 through 4.91 SP2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the (1) EnumPrinters and (2) OpenPrinter functions.
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Automated analysis
high priorityRemote, unauthenticated code execution with a high EPSS score and a public exploit reference, though not listed in KEV.
What it is
The Spooler service (nwspool.dll) in Novell NetWare Client 4.91 through 4.91 SP2 contains multiple buffer overflows reachable through long arguments to the EnumPrinters and OpenPrinter functions. Because the flaw is remotely reachable without authentication and can lead to arbitrary code execution, it is a serious pre-auth risk for hosts running the affected client.
Impact
A remote attacker can execute arbitrary code in the context of the vulnerable Spooler service, potentially gaining full control of the affected host.
Attack surface
The vulnerability is network-reachable (AV:N) with low complexity and no authentication required (Au:N), based on the CVSS vector and the description of remote attackers supplying long arguments to Spooler functions. No user interaction is indicated in the record.
Exploitation
CVE-2006-5854 is not listed in CISA KEV, but EPSS shows a 30-day probability of 0.5753 (99th percentile), and a public exploit reference (testlpc.c) is present in the references.
What to do
- Apply the vendor patch referenced in the Novell support document and ZDI advisory.
- Restrict network access to the Spooler service on hosts running NetWare Client 4.91 through 4.91 SP2.
- Upgrade or remove the affected NetWare Client versions where the patch cannot be applied.
- Monitor for anomalous Spooler service crashes or restarts that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Detection
- Monitor Spooler service (nwspool.dll) crashes or abnormal terminations on hosts running NetWare Client.
- Inspect network traffic for malformed or oversized arguments to EnumPrinters and OpenPrinter calls.
- Alert on unexpected process creation or code execution originating from the Spooler service context.
This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.
Affected products
1 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.
References
Track CVE-2006-5854 inside VULONE
Watch it alongside the ransomware crews, C2 infrastructure and forum chatter that reference it, query it through the API and pull it into your SIEM over TAXII.
Related vulnerabilities
Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2006-5854), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.
