CVE-2009-1333 in Deskjet 6840
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in refresh_rate.htm in the web interface on the HP Deskjet 6840 printer with firmware XF1M131A allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the POST request body.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1333 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the web interface of HP Deskjet 6840 printers running firmware version XF1M131A. This security weakness resides within the refresh_rate.htm component of the device's embedded web server implementation, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by remote threat actors. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the printer processes POST requests containing malicious payloads in the request body, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code directly into the printer's web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the printer's web server code. When a user submits a POST request to the refresh_rate.htm page, the device fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before rendering it in the web response. This primitive input handling flaw enables attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass the device's security mechanisms, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected XSS attack vector, where malicious content is injected through the POST method and subsequently executed when the page is rendered.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, and potentially compromise the entire printer network. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that redirect users to phishing sites, steal authentication cookies, or execute malicious scripts that could persist across user sessions. Given that many organizations rely on printer web interfaces for administrative functions, this vulnerability could serve as an initial access point for broader network infiltration. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where printer devices are often accessible from both internal and external networks.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE taxonomy, specifically categorizing it under CWE-79 which addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws, and CWE-20 which covers improper input validation. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the injected scripts could potentially be used to execute further malicious commands against the compromised system. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from HP, network segmentation to isolate printer devices, and web application firewalls to filter malicious POST requests. Additionally, regular security assessments of embedded devices and network monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns should be established to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other networked devices.