CVE-2023-27972 in LaserJet Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2023
Certain HP LaserJet Pro print products are potentially vulnerable to Buffer Overflow and/or Remote Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2026
HP LaserJet Pro print products contain a buffer overflow vulnerability that could potentially allow remote code execution when processing specially crafted print jobs or network requests. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the printer's firmware and network processing components, creating an exploitable condition where malicious data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw exists in the printer's handling of print data and network protocols, particularly affecting the embedded web server and print job processing modules. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability by sending malicious print jobs or network packets that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected devices. The vulnerability impacts multiple models within the HP LaserJet Pro product line, including various monochrome and color laser printers. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through improper input length handling. The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as these devices often operate within corporate networks and may have elevated privileges when processing print jobs. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute code remotely without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where printers are frequently connected to internal networks. Organizations using these printers face significant risk as attackers could potentially gain persistent access to network resources through compromised print devices. The attack surface includes both direct network connections and print server configurations that may be exposed to external networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071.004 for application layer protocol. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious print data or network requests that exceed buffer limits, causing memory corruption and potential code execution. Affected devices may also be vulnerable to denial of service conditions where the buffer overflow causes system crashes or restarts, disrupting legitimate print operations. The vulnerability affects both wired and wireless network configurations, making it difficult to contain within network segmentation policies. Network traffic analysis reveals that the vulnerability can be triggered through standard print protocols including IPP, HTTP, and SNMP communications. Security researchers have identified that the issue persists across multiple firmware versions, indicating a fundamental design flaw rather than a simple software bug. The impact on enterprise security is significant as these printers often serve as entry points for attackers seeking to establish persistent access within corporate networks. Mitigation strategies include firmware updates from HP, network segmentation to isolate print devices, and implementing strict access controls for printer services. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary network services on affected printers and monitoring for unusual print job patterns or network traffic. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of network-connected devices. HP has released security patches addressing this vulnerability, but deployment requires careful planning to avoid disrupting print operations. Network administrators should also implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting these specific printer models. The flaw represents a critical security risk that requires immediate attention from organizations relying on HP LaserJet Pro printers in their network infrastructure.