CVE-2007-0161 in PML Driver HPZ12
Summary
by MITRE
The PML Driver HPZ12 (HPZipm12.exe) in the HP all-in-one drivers, as used by multiple HP products, uses insecure SERVICE_CHANGE_CONFIG DACL permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges and execute arbitrary programs, as demonstrated by modifying the binpath argument, a related issue to CVE-2006-0023.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0161 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the HP PML Driver HPZ12 component that affects numerous HP all-in-one printer and multifunction device products. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the driver's service configuration, specifically involving insecure SERVICE_CHANGE_CONFIG discretionary access control list permissions. The vulnerability exists in the HPZipm12.exe executable file which serves as the primary interface for managing the printer driver services on affected systems.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure DACL permissions that govern the SERVICE_CHANGE_CONFIG access right, allowing local attackers to modify critical service parameters without proper authorization. This particular permission allows modification of service configuration information including the binary path that points to the executable file. Attackers can exploit this weakness by changing the binpath argument to point to malicious code, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates at the Windows service level where the driver service runs with system-level privileges, making the privilege escalation particularly dangerous.
This vulnerability directly relates to the broader category of privilege escalation attacks and falls under the CWE-264 category of "Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls" as it involves improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized modification of system services. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it exploitable by users who already have login credentials but without administrative privileges. The exploitation process demonstrates the classic pattern of service configuration manipulation where attackers leverage weak access controls to modify service binaries and gain elevated execution rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system. Once successfully exploited, attackers can install backdoors, modify system files, or establish covert communication channels without detection. The vulnerability affects a wide range of HP products including various all-in-one printers, multifunction devices, and related hardware that utilize the HPZ12 driver component. The fact that this issue is related to CVE-2006-0023 indicates a pattern of similar insecure service permissions across HP driver components, suggesting a systemic security flaw in the driver architecture.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through service modification and persistence mechanisms. The attack chain typically involves local user access, service configuration modification, and execution of malicious payloads with elevated privileges. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address this vulnerability, as HP released security updates specifically targeting this issue. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper service permissions and access control implementation in driver software, particularly when dealing with system-level services that operate with elevated privileges. Regular security audits of Windows services and their associated permissions should be conducted to identify similar insecure configurations that could provide similar attack vectors for privilege escalation attacks.