CVE-2019-6325 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 that is potentially vulnerable to Cross-site Request Forgery.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2019-6325 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 stems from an embedded web server component that serves as an interface for printer configuration and management tasks, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. The embedded web server functionality allows users to access printer settings, monitor print jobs, and perform administrative tasks through a standard web browser interface, which inherently introduces security considerations that must be properly addressed.
The technical flaw manifests as a cross-site request forgery vulnerability within the embedded web server implementation. This weakness occurs when the printer fails to properly validate and authenticate requests originating from external sources, allowing an attacker to potentially execute unauthorized administrative actions on the affected devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the origin of HTTP requests, meaning that legitimate administrative functions can be triggered through maliciously crafted web requests that appear to originate from authorized users. This flaw specifically relates to the printer's handling of state-changing operations within its web interface, where the system does not adequately verify that requests are legitimate and properly authorized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially allowing full administrative control over affected printers. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF vulnerability could perform actions such as changing network configurations, modifying security settings, accessing printer logs, or even potentially disrupting printing services. The implications are particularly concerning given that these are multifunction printers that often operate within corporate networks and may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive printing environments. The vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails that contain malicious links or compromised websites that trigger unauthorized actions when users interact with them while authenticated to the printer's web interface. This represents a significant risk to network security as it allows attackers to compromise printer administration without requiring direct physical access or traditional authentication credentials.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest firmware versions provided by HP to address the identified CSRF vulnerability. The remediation process should involve verifying that all affected printer models have been updated to versions containing the necessary security patches. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit access to printer administrative interfaces to only authorized personnel and systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual administrative activity on printer devices. Security teams should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any other embedded web servers or management interfaces within their network infrastructure that may be similarly vulnerable. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and represents a potential entry point for attackers following techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 sub-technique for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, where attackers may leverage web-based vulnerabilities to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within network environments.