CVE-2023-27971 in LaserJet Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2023
Certain HP LaserJet Pro print products are potentially vulnerable to Buffer Overflow and/or Elevation of Privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-27971 affects specific HP LaserJet Pro printer models and represents a critical security concern that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges within the printer environment. This issue stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the printer's firmware or web interface components, creating potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to compromise these devices. The affected products typically include various models within the HP LaserJet Pro series that utilize network connectivity features and web-based management interfaces.
The technical flaw manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the printer processes specially crafted input data through its web interface or network protocols. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to send malicious payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The buffer overflow can be exploited through HTTP requests or other network-based communication methods that the printer accepts, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where printers are accessible from multiple network segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full administrative control over affected printers. This elevated privilege level allows malicious actors to modify printer configurations, install unauthorized firmware, redirect print jobs to malicious destinations, or even use the compromised devices as launching points for further attacks within the network. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where printers serve as network endpoints and may be configured with elevated access rights or connected to sensitive network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-27971 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from HP, as these patches typically address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and memory management improvements. Network segmentation approaches can help limit exposure by isolating printer networks from critical systems, while implementing strict access controls and firewall rules can prevent unauthorized network access to printer management interfaces. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary network services on printers and regularly monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to printer communications, as this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and remote code execution techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also exhibit traits related to CWE-20, representing improper input validation, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals managing print infrastructure within enterprise environments.