CVE-2018-5925 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 static buffer overflow, which could allow remote code execution.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5925 represents a critical security flaw in specific HP Inkjet printer models that operates through a buffer overflow condition during file processing. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation within the printer's firmware when handling incoming print jobs, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage for unauthorized system access. The vulnerability specifically affects printers that utilize the PostScript or PCL printing languages, where the buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of maliciously crafted print files that exceed the allocated memory space. The flaw is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the bounds of a fixed-length buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple printer functionality degradation, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected devices. When an attacker sends a specially crafted print job to an affected HP Inkjet printer, the buffer overflow can overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses and executable code pointers, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. This remote exploitation capability means that adversaries do not need physical access to the device, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where network-connected printers are common. The attack vector typically involves sending a malicious PostScript or PCL file through standard network printing protocols, exploiting the printer's lack of proper input sanitization mechanisms.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access through compromised printer accounts or by executing malicious code directly on the device. The affected HP Inkjet printers are particularly vulnerable due to their relatively open network interfaces and lack of robust input validation in their embedded systems. Network-based attacks exploiting this vulnerability could potentially serve as a stepping stone for broader network infiltration, as printers often have access to sensitive internal networks and may not be adequately protected by traditional network security measures. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that many organizations lack comprehensive inventory tracking of their network-connected devices, making it difficult to identify and remediate all affected printers.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from HP, network segmentation to isolate printers from critical systems, and monitoring for suspicious print job patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended approach involves disabling unnecessary network services on printers, implementing strict access controls, and deploying network intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed print jobs. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling automatic print job processing for unknown or untrusted sources and implement printer-specific firewall rules that restrict communication to authorized print servers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of embedded system security and highlights how seemingly innocuous network-connected devices can serve as entry points for sophisticated attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security assessments of all networked equipment.