CVE-2018-5924 in Printer
Summary
by MITRE
A security vulnerability has been identified with certain HP Inkjet printers. A maliciously crafted file sent to an affected device can cause a stack buffer overflow, which could allow remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5924 represents a critical security flaw in specific HP Inkjet printer models that exposes users to significant remote exploitation risks. This vulnerability resides within the printer's firmware processing capabilities, specifically in how it handles incoming print jobs and file parsing operations. The affected devices are particularly susceptible because they lack adequate input validation mechanisms when processing print data, creating an environment where malicious actors can craft specially designed files to exploit the system. The flaw manifests when the printer receives a malformed document that triggers improper memory handling during the printing process, leading to a stack buffer overflow condition that fundamentally compromises the device's operational integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking and memory management within the printer's embedded operating system. When a malicious file is sent to the affected printer, the system attempts to process the data without proper validation of buffer sizes, causing the stack memory to overflow beyond its allocated boundaries. This overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, which can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient control of the size of a buffer leads to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The attack vector requires only network access to the printer's network interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without physical access to the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5924 extends far beyond simple printing failures, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise of the affected printer. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the printer's internal systems, potentially allowing them to install backdoors, modify print job processing logic, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where printers are often connected to internal networks and may have access to sensitive documents or systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, demonstrating how the compromised printer can be leveraged for broader network infiltration activities. The vulnerability also creates persistent threats as attackers can maintain access to the device long after initial exploitation, making it difficult to detect and remediate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5924 require immediate action from network administrators and security teams to protect their printer infrastructure from potential exploitation. The most effective immediate response involves applying the security patches released by HP, which address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through enhanced input validation and proper memory management practices. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate printer networks from critical business systems, limiting the potential lateral movement if a device becomes compromised. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services on printers, implementing strict access controls for print queues, and monitoring print job logs for anomalous patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying network intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts, particularly those targeting printer services on standard ports such as port 9100 or 515. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of networked printer devices should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other printer models and ensure that all networked devices maintain adequate security postures.