CVE-2019-13171
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Xerox printers' Google Cloud Print implementation. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially taking full control. The vulnerability affects specific Xerox printer models with vulnerable firmware versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Xerox Phaser 3320
- Other Xerox printer models with Google Cloud Print
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to install persistent malware, intercept all print jobs, pivot to internal networks, or use printer as part of botnet.
Likely Case
Printer becomes unresponsive or crashes, attacker gains control to intercept print jobs or use device for network attacks.
If Mitigated
Attack prevented at network perimeter; if exploited, impact limited to printer functionality disruption.
🎯 Exploit Status
Technical advisory includes exploitation details; buffer overflow via memcpy without bounds checking makes exploitation straightforward.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor for specific fixed firmware versions
Vendor Advisory: https://security.business.xerox.com/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Xerox security portal 2. Identify your printer model 3. Download latest firmware 4. Upload to printer via web interface 5. Apply update and restart
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Google Cloud Print
allTurn off Google Cloud Print feature to remove attack vector
Access printer web interface > Settings > Cloud Services > Disable Google Cloud Print
Network segmentation
allIsolate printers on separate VLAN with restricted access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable all cloud printing features and restrict printer management interface to internal network only
- Implement network firewall rules to block all inbound traffic to printers except from authorized management systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check printer firmware version via web interface: Settings > Device Information > Firmware VersionCheck Version:
curl -k https://printer-ip/device/information or check web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version matches or exceeds patched version from vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP POST requests to /privet endpoints
- Printer crash/restart logs
- Memory corruption errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic to printer port 9100/tcp or 631/tcp
- HTTP requests with oversized register parameters to Google Cloud Print endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="printer_logs" AND ("memcpy" OR "buffer overflow" OR "privet/register")