CVE-2012-4964 in Printer
Summary
by MITRE
The Samsung printer firmware before 20121031 has a hardcoded read-write SNMP community, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain administrative access via an SNMP request.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4964 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung printer firmware versions prior to 20121031, where a hardcoded SNMP community string is embedded within the device firmware. This weakness falls under the category of hardcoded credentials as classified by CWE-798, creating a persistent security risk that remains active regardless of system updates or administrative changes. The specific implementation involves a read-write SNMP community string that is hardcoded into the firmware, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can execute SNMP requests against the device. This configuration fundamentally violates the principle of least privilege and provides unauthorized parties with direct administrative capabilities over the affected printers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through standard SNMP protocols, where attackers can leverage the hardcoded community string to perform administrative operations on the printer without requiring legitimate authentication credentials. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials for unauthorized access, and specifically targets network device management protocols. The hardcoded nature of the community string means that the vulnerability exists across all affected devices regardless of configuration changes or password updates, as the credential is embedded within the firmware itself rather than being dynamically generated or user-configurable.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to modify printer configurations, access stored print jobs, manipulate security settings, and potentially use the compromised printer as a pivot point for further network attacks. Attackers can leverage this access to perform various malicious activities including printing unauthorized documents, accessing sensitive information stored in printer memory, or using the printer as a launching point for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the printer services, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized document printing, and disruption of legitimate printing operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to versions released after October 31, 2012, which address this hardcoded credential issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit SNMP access to only authorized management systems, while disabling SNMPv1 and using SNMPv3 with strong authentication mechanisms when possible. Regular security audits should verify that no devices contain hardcoded credentials, and network monitoring should be employed to detect unauthorized SNMP activity. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure firmware development practices and the necessity of avoiding hardcoded credentials in networked devices, particularly those with administrative capabilities that can be exploited for lateral movement within corporate networks.