CVE-2017-2747 in DesignJet
Summary
by MITRE
HP has identified a potential security vulnerability before IG_11_00_00.10 for DesignJet T790, T795, T1300, T2300, before MRY_04_05_00.5 for DesignJet T920, T930, T1500, T1530, T2500, T2530, before AENEAS_03_04_00.9 for DesignJet T3500, before NEXUS_01_12_00.11 for Latex 310, 330, 360, 370, before NEXUS_03_12_00.15 for Latex 315, 335, 365, 375, before STORM_00_05_01.6 for Latex 560, 570 and Latex 110 that may expose the credentials of the SMTP server configured to receive and process emails generated by the printers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2019
This vulnerability affects HP DesignJet and Latex series printers where improper handling of SMTP server credentials during email processing creates a potential exposure risk. The issue exists in firmware versions prior to specific release identifiers for various printer models including DesignJet T790, T795, T1300, T2300, T920, T930, T1500, T1530, T2500, T2530, T3500, and multiple Latex series printers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate credential management during email transmission processes, where authentication information may be inadvertently exposed through improper data handling mechanisms.
The technical flaw involves the insecure storage and processing of SMTP server authentication credentials within the printer's firmware architecture. When these printers generate and process emails, the system fails to properly isolate or encrypt sensitive credential information, potentially allowing unauthorized access to email server authentication details. This represents a critical weakness in the printer's security design that violates fundamental principles of credential protection and secure data handling. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials) categories, indicating poor implementation of authentication mechanisms and inadequate protection of sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to potentially enable unauthorized email relay operations and compromise of email communication channels. Attackers who gain access to these exposed credentials could potentially send spam emails through the printers, conduct phishing attacks using the legitimate printer email addresses, or gain unauthorized access to email accounts associated with the printer configurations. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on these printers for business-critical communications, as the compromised credentials could be used to bypass security controls and gain access to sensitive corporate email systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 (Phishing) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it enables adversaries to leverage legitimate printer email functionality for malicious purposes.
Organizations should immediately implement firmware updates to address this vulnerability across all affected printer models, ensuring that the updated firmware properly handles SMTP credentials through secure storage mechanisms and encryption protocols. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate printer networks from critical email infrastructure, while monitoring should be established to detect unauthorized email relay activities. Additionally, administrators should review and rotate SMTP credentials for all affected printers, implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure firmware development practices and regular security assessments of embedded systems, particularly those handling sensitive communications and authentication data.