CVE-2016-3145 in Printer
Summary
by MITRE
Lexmark printers with firmware ATL before ATL.021.063, CB before CB.021.063, PP before PP.021.063, and YK before YK.021.063 mishandle Erase Printer Memory and Erase Hard Disk actions, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive information via direct read operations on non-volatile memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3145 affects Lexmark printer models operating with specific firmware versions including ATL.021.063, CB.021.063, PP.021.063, and YK.021.063. This security flaw resides in the printer's handling of memory erasure operations, specifically the Erase Printer Memory and Erase Hard Disk functions. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the device's memory management protocols, creating an unintended information disclosure channel that can be exploited by attackers with physical proximity to the affected hardware.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper implementation of memory erasure procedures within the printer's firmware. When administrators or authorized users initiate the erase operations, the system fails to properly sanitize memory regions that contain sensitive data. This inadequate memory clearing process leaves residual information accessible through direct read operations on non-volatile memory components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient data destruction mechanisms during the memory erasure process, allowing attackers to recover previously stored information such as user credentials, print job data, or other confidential information that was supposed to be permanently removed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations relying on Lexmark printers for document processing and management. Attackers with physical access to the devices can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information without requiring sophisticated technical skills or network-based attack vectors. The proximity requirement limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the threat, as many office environments provide opportunities for unauthorized physical access to networked devices. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations handling sensitive data where printer security is often overlooked in favor of network security measures.
The security implications of CVE-2016-3145 align with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Credentials in Files." The vulnerability creates an information disclosure scenario where attackers can directly access memory components that should have been cleared. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to the latest available versions, physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to printer devices, and regular security assessments of networked printing infrastructure. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual printer memory access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure memory management in embedded systems and emphasizes that physical security measures remain critical components of overall cybersecurity posture, particularly in environments where network-based protections may be insufficient.