CVE-2019-18916
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in HP LaserJet Solution Software allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected systems. It affects users running vulnerable versions of the software on Windows systems with certain HP LaserJet printers. The flaw enables unauthorized elevation of privilege on the client machine.
💻 Affected Systems
- HP LaserJet Solution Software
📦 What is this software?
Color Laserjet Pro Mfp M277 B3q10a Firmware by Hp
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⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local access could gain SYSTEM/administrator privileges, potentially taking full control of the system, installing malware, accessing sensitive data, or disabling security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious local users or malware with limited privileges could escalate to administrator rights, enabling persistence, lateral movement, or data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, impact is limited to users who already have some level of local access to the system.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to the system. No public exploit code was found at time of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 4.9.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06586963
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download HP LaserJet Solution Software version 4.9.1 or later from HP website. 2. Run the installer. 3. Follow on-screen instructions. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall HP LaserJet Solution Software if not required
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select HP LaserJet Solution Software > Uninstall
Restrict local access
allImplement strict access controls to limit who can log into affected systems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles - ensure users don't have unnecessary local access
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts using security tools and audit logs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HP LaserJet Solution Software version in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and FeaturesCheck Version:
wmic product where "name like 'HP LaserJet Solution%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 4.9.1 or later in Control Panel > Programs📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- HP LaserJet Solution Software process spawning with elevated privileges
- Security log Event ID 4672 (Special privileges assigned)
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4672 AND ProcessName="*HP LaserJet*" OR EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName="*HP LaserJet*" AND SubjectLogonId!=0x3e7