CVE-1999-1062 in LaserJet
Summary
by MITRE
HP Laserjet printers with JetDirect cards, when configured with TCP/IP, allow remote attackers to bypass print filters by directly sending PostScript documents to TCP ports 9099 and 9100.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-1062 represents a significant security flaw in HP LaserJet printers equipped with JetDirect network cards. This issue stems from the improper implementation of network security controls within the printer's TCP/IP configuration, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized access to the printer's core functionality. The vulnerability specifically affects devices configured to operate over TCP/IP networks, where the JetDirect card serves as the network interface component that enables remote printing capabilities.
The technical flaw manifests through the exposure of two critical TCP ports - 9099 and 9100 - which are designated for PostScript document transmission without adequate authentication or authorization mechanisms. These ports function as direct entry points to the printer's processing engine, bypassing the normal print queue filters and security controls that would typically validate and sanitize print jobs before execution. This design flaw allows remote attackers to send malicious PostScript code directly to the printer, effectively circumventing the intended security boundaries that separate legitimate print operations from potential malicious activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized printing capabilities. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary PostScript commands, potentially leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of print services. The vulnerability enables what cybersecurity professionals categorize as remote code execution through network protocols, where the attacker gains control over the printer's processing capabilities without requiring physical access or traditional authentication credentials. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control mechanisms, as outlined in CWE-284, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions on network services.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can leverage the printer's PostScript processing capabilities to execute malicious payloads. Organizations utilizing these printers face substantial risks including potential network infiltration through the printer as a foothold, unauthorized access to sensitive documents, and the possibility of using the printer as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security design principles and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper network segmentation and access controls for networked printing devices.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing network access controls through firewalls and access control lists to restrict access to the vulnerable TCP ports 9099 and 9100. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary network services on printers, implementing strong authentication mechanisms for print job submission, and regularly updating printer firmware to address known vulnerabilities. The implementation of network segmentation and the use of dedicated print server solutions can help isolate these devices from critical network segments, reducing the potential impact of exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their networked printing infrastructure to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other networked devices.