CVE-2013-4828 in Color LaserJet CM4540
Summary
by MITRE
HP LaserJet M4555, M525, and M725; LaserJet flow MFP M525c; LaserJet Enterprise color flow MFP M575c; Color LaserJet CM4540, M575, and M775; and ScanJet Enterprise 8500fn1 FutureSmart devices do not properly encrypt PDF documents, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4828 affects a range of HP laserjet and scanjet devices including models M4555, M525, M725, M525c, M575c, CM4540, M575, M775, and ScanJet Enterprise 8500fn1. These multifunction devices are widely deployed in enterprise environments for document management and printing operations. The flaw resides in the improper encryption implementation within the PDF processing capabilities of these devices, creating a significant security weakness that impacts data confidentiality and integrity. This vulnerability specifically targets the encryption mechanisms used when these devices handle PDF documents, which are commonly processed through the device's embedded web server interface.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate encryption protocols within the device firmware's PDF handling subsystem. When these devices receive or generate PDF documents, they fail to properly implement cryptographic measures that should protect sensitive information contained within these documents. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit unspecified vectors that bypass the intended encryption mechanisms, potentially enabling unauthorized access to confidential data. This weakness operates at the application layer within the device's operating system and can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device. The improper implementation creates a condition where sensitive information may be accessible through direct network requests or by leveraging the device's web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple enterprise security domains including data protection, compliance requirements, and network security posture. Organizations utilizing these HP devices may experience unauthorized disclosure of sensitive documents, including financial records, personal information, and proprietary business data that passes through these devices. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially access these documents from external networks, undermining the security of document workflows that rely on these devices for processing. The vulnerability affects both incoming and outgoing PDF processing, creating exposure points in document management systems where confidential information may be accessible without proper authentication. This weakness particularly impacts organizations that depend on these devices for handling sensitive business documents or regulatory compliance data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4828 should focus on immediate firmware updates from HP as the primary remediation approach, while implementing network segmentation to limit access to these devices. Organizations should disable unnecessary web services and restrict network access to these devices through firewall rules and access control lists. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around PDF processing endpoints. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues in software implementations, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Additional protective measures include implementing network intrusion detection systems, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and establishing secure document handling procedures that minimize exposure of sensitive data through these devices. Organizations should also consider deploying network access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to device management interfaces and ensure that device firmware is regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities.