CVE-2019-6324 in Color LaserJet Pro M280-M281 Multifunction Printer
Summary
by MITRE
HP Color LaserJet Pro M280-M281 Multifunction Printer series (before v. 20190419), HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28-M31 Printer series (before v. 20190426) may have an embedded web server potentially vulnerable to stored XSS in wireless configuration page
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6324 affects HP Color LaserJet Pro M280-M281 multifunction printer series and HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28-M31 printer series, specifically those operating with firmware versions prior to 20190419 and 20190426 respectively. This issue represents a significant security weakness in networked printing equipment that could potentially allow attackers to execute malicious code through web-based interfaces. The embedded web server within these devices serves as an attack surface that exposes users to various cyber threats, particularly when these printers are connected to corporate networks or exposed to untrusted networks.
The technical flaw manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability within the wireless configuration page of these printers. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the embedded web server implementation. When a malicious actor successfully injects malicious script code into the wireless configuration parameters, the script gets stored on the device and subsequently executed whenever the configuration page is accessed by an authenticated user. This stored XSS vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies it as a cross-site scripting flaw where the malicious script is stored on the server and executed in the victim's browser. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for persistent malicious code execution that can remain active until the device is rebooted or the configuration is manually cleared.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to session hijacking, data exfiltration, and further network reconnaissance. Attackers could potentially gain access to sensitive network information, manipulate printer configurations, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the same network segment. The vulnerability's presence in multifunction printers makes it particularly dangerous since these devices often have elevated network privileges and may be used to access sensitive corporate data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1566 for credential access, demonstrating how the flaw can be leveraged for broader attack chains. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that even after the initial compromise, the malicious payload continues to execute, potentially providing attackers with sustained access to the network.
Organizations should immediately update their affected HP printer models to the latest firmware versions released by HP to remediate this vulnerability. The security patches address the input validation issues that allow malicious scripts to be stored and executed without proper sanitization. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical network segments, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify any unauthorized modifications to printer configurations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware for networked devices and underscores the need for comprehensive security assessments of all connected equipment, particularly those with web-based management interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing device access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit who can modify printer configurations, as the vulnerability requires authenticated access to the web interface to exploit effectively.