CVE-2016-2244 in LaserJet
Summary
by MITRE
HP LaserJet printers and MFPs and OfficeJet Enterprise printers with firmware before 3.7.01 allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2244 affects HP LaserJet printers and multifunction devices as well as OfficeJet Enterprise printers with firmware versions prior to 3.7.01. This issue represents a significant security weakness that exposes sensitive information to remote attackers without requiring authentication or specialized privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and information disclosure mechanisms within the affected printer firmware implementations. These devices operate in networked environments where they are often accessible to unauthorized users, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors seeking to exploit the flaw.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that enable remote information disclosure attacks, allowing attackers to extract sensitive data from the affected devices. Printer firmware typically contains various system information, configuration parameters, and potentially user data that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability likely involves improper input validation or inadequate access control mechanisms within the printer's web interface or network services. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain insights into the device's internal state, network configuration, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2244 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed data could provide attackers with critical system information for planning more sophisticated attacks. In enterprise environments where HP printers are extensively deployed, this vulnerability could enable attackers to map network topology, identify device configurations, and gather intelligence for privilege escalation or lateral movement attacks. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically considered low-risk security assets but actually serve as potential entry points for broader network infiltration. Organizations may unknowingly expose sensitive information about their printing infrastructure, including device models, firmware versions, and network configurations that could be leveraged in targeted attacks.
The implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques related to reconnaissance and credential access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation measures including firmware updates to version 3.7.01 or later, network segmentation to limit access to printer devices, and monitoring for suspicious network activity targeting these devices. Additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong authentication for printer management interfaces, and conducting regular security assessments of networked printing infrastructure should be considered. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware across all networked devices and highlights the need for comprehensive security policies that address peripheral device security in enterprise environments.