Printers are often overlooked in cybersecurity, but they can be a gateway to significant vulnerabilities
During a recent penetration testing assessment for a corporate network in the Middle East, RedTeam Cybersecurity Labs discovered a vulnerability: a network-connected printer with insufficient security measures. This discovery highlights the often-overlooked importance of securing all network devices, not just the obvious targets.
The Vulnerability: A Printer's Weakness
Networked printers are an integral part of modern office environments, used for managing and configuring settings, including network configurations, user accounts, and document storage. However, these devices can become significant security liabilities if not properly secured. The specific issue was that the printer was still using factory-default usernames and passwords, providing an easy entry point for attackers. Additionally, the printer was accessible from the internet without adequate security measures, such as a firewall or VPN. We were able to take control of the printer settings.
The Attack Scenario: How the Compromise Unfolded
During our penetration test, we simulated an attack to demonstrate how a vulnerable printer could be exploited to compromise the corporate network:
- Initial Access: Using the default credentials, we accessed the printer’s web portal.
- Privilege Escalation: From the web portal, we exploited outdated firmware to gain administrative access.
- Lateral Movement: With administrative access, we altered network settings to create a backdoor into the corporate network.
- Data Exfiltration: Using the backdoor, we accessed and exfiltrated sensitive documents stored on the printer.
- Denial of Service: Finally, we disabled the printer to simulate the impact of a denial-of-service attack.
Risk Description:
The vulnerabilities in the printer’s web portal posed several significant risks:
- Compromised Sensitive Documents: Attackers could access and exfiltrate sensitive documents stored on or transmitted through the printer, leading to data breaches.
- Altered or Deleted Printer Settings and Documents: Malicious actors could modify or erase printer settings and stored documents, potentially disrupting business operations and causing data loss.
- Service Disruption: Attackers could disable or misconfigure the printer, resulting in a denial of service and hindering daily business activities
Mitigation Strategies: Securing Your Printers
To prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited, it is crucial to implement robust security measures for all network-connected devices, including printers:
- Change Default Credentials: Always change factory-default usernames and passwords to strong, unique credentials.
- Regular Firmware Updates: Keep the firmware of all devices up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Implement Strong Access Controls: Restrict access to device web portals and management interfaces to authorized personnel only.
- Network Segmentation: Isolate printers and other non-critical devices from the main corporate network using network segmentation.
- Limit Internet Exposure: Ensure that printers and other devices are not exposed to the internet without proper security measures, such as firewalls and VPNs.
The discovery of this vulnerable printer underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to network security. Every device connected to a corporate network, no matter how mundane, must be secured to protect against potential threats. By addressing these vulnerabilities proactively, organizations can safeguard their sensitive information and maintain the integrity of their network operations.
Stay vigilant, and ensure that every component of your network is secured against potential cyber threats. After all, the strength of a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
For more details about our penetration testing services in Middle East and India, contact RedTeam Cybersecurity Labs
UAE Office: Phone: +971-505421994
India Office: Phone: +91-9778403685
Email : [email protected]
