CVE-2023-4063 in OfficeJet Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 03/22/2024
Certain HP OfficeJet Pro printers are potentially vulnerable to a Denial of Service when using an improper eSCL URL GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4063 affects HP OfficeJet Pro series printers and represents a denial of service weakness that can be exploited through malformed eSCL URL GET requests. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the printer's web server implementation, specifically when processing requests related to the Electronic Standard Command Language protocol. The eSCL protocol serves as a standard for printer communication over networks, enabling devices to discover and communicate with printers through HTTP-based interfaces. When a malicious actor submits an improperly formatted GET request to the printer's web interface, the device fails to properly handle the malformed input, potentially leading to system instability or complete service interruption.
The technical flaw manifests in the printer's failure to sanitize or validate URL parameters received during eSCL operations, creating a condition where crafted requests can cause the device to crash or become unresponsive. This vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack and requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it targets the printer's publicly accessible web interface. The improper handling of GET requests can result in memory corruption, stack overflow conditions, or resource exhaustion that ultimately leads to the printer becoming unavailable for legitimate print jobs. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely without authentication, making it accessible to any network user who can reach the printer's IP address.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as HP OfficeJet Pro printers are commonly deployed in enterprise environments where continuous availability is critical for business operations. When affected devices become unresponsive, print queues become blocked, and users experience interruptions in their workflow, potentially causing productivity losses and requiring IT staff to intervene. The vulnerability affects multiple models within the OfficeJet Pro series, suggesting a widespread potential impact across various organizational deployments. Network administrators may find that the printer becomes unresponsive to all forms of communication, including web-based management interfaces, print job submissions, and even basic status queries, effectively rendering the device non-functional until manual intervention occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-4063 should focus on implementing network segmentation to restrict access to printer interfaces, particularly by blocking external access to the printer's web management ports. Organizations should ensure that printer firmware is updated to the latest versions provided by HP, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing access control lists that limit which IP addresses can communicate with printer web interfaces, and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and falls under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Regular security assessments of printer networks should include verification of firmware versions and testing of input validation mechanisms to prevent exploitation. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious GET requests targeting these vulnerabilities before they can cause service disruption.