HP Printer Products Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution

Fortify Security Team
Dec 1, 2021

A vulnerability has been discovered in HP FutureSmart that could allow for arbitrary code execution. HP FutureSmart is a piece of system firmware that is used on all HP Enterprise devices. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected application. Depending on the privileges associated with this application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of this vulnerability could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE: There are currently no reports of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

  • HP Futuresmart 3 cpe:/h:hp:futuresmart_3 DS
  • HP Futuresmart 4 cpe:/h:hp:futuresmart_4 DS
  • HP Futuresmart 5 cpe:/h:hp:futuresmart_5 DS

RISK:
Government:

  • Large and medium government entities: High
  • Small government entities: Medium

Businesses:

  • Large and medium business entities: High
  • Small business entities: Medium

Home users: Low

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:

A vulnerability has been discovered in HP FutureSmart that could allow for arbitrary code execution. Vulnerable HP FutureSmart versions are susceptible to a buffer overflow vulnerability that may result in the ability for a remote and unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted systems.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected application. Depending on the privileges associated with this application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of this vulnerability could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We recommend the following actions be taken:

  • Apply the latest patches provided by HP after appropriate testing.
  • Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
  • Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.
  • Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from un-trusted sources.
  • Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.

REFERENCES:
CVE:
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-39238

HP:
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_5000383-5000409-16
https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/futuresmart-firmware.html

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