CVE-2024-1869 in DesignJet
Summary
by MITRE • 03/02/2024
Certain HP DesignJet print products are potentially vulnerable to information disclosure related to accessing memory out-of-bounds when using the general-purpose gateway (GGW) over port 9220.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1869 affects specific HP DesignJet print products and represents a critical information disclosure weakness that stems from improper memory access handling within the general-purpose gateway component. This flaw manifests when the system processes requests through port 9220, which serves as the primary communication channel for the GGW functionality. The vulnerability falls under the category of out-of-bounds memory access, a common class of software defects that can lead to unauthorized data exposure and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the GGW component failing to properly validate memory boundaries when processing incoming network requests. When a malicious actor sends crafted data to port 9220, the system's memory management routines may access memory locations beyond their intended scope, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that can result in data leakage and information disclosure. The improper memory access occurs at the application layer where network protocols are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially enable attackers to extract confidential data such as system configurations, user credentials, or proprietary information stored within the printer's memory space. Given that HP DesignJet products are often used in professional environments with sensitive data requirements, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on these devices for critical printing operations. The remote exploitation capability means that adversaries could potentially access these systems from anywhere on the network, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where network segmentation may not be properly implemented.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the techniques related to credential access and defense evasion. The out-of-bounds memory access can be leveraged to extract information that might aid in further attacks, potentially allowing threat actors to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, firewall rules to restrict access to port 9220, and prompt application of vendor patches when available. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of network-connected devices that may not receive the same level of security attention as traditional computing systems.
The presence of this vulnerability in HP DesignJet products underscores the broader challenge of securing Internet of Things devices and embedded systems where security considerations may not be prioritized during initial development phases. These devices often lack robust input validation mechanisms and may not implement proper memory safety checks that are standard in more sophisticated software environments. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected HP DesignJet devices within their network infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk assessment. The vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of network monitoring and anomaly detection systems that can identify unusual traffic patterns on port 9220 that might indicate exploitation attempts.