Canon has recently identified a critical security vulnerability in its printer drivers, specifically affecting versions 3.12 and earlier of the Generic Plus PCL6, UFR II, LIPS4, LIPSXL, and PS drivers. This flaw, designated as CVE-2025-1268 with a CVSS severity score of 9.4, was brought to light by Microsoft’s Offensive Research and Security Engineering (MORSE) team. The vulnerability resides in the Enhanced Metafile (EMF) recode processing component of these drivers. Exploitation could allow attackers to disrupt printing operations or execute arbitrary code when a print job is processed by a malicious application.
Understanding the Vulnerability
The identified vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write issue within the EMF recode processing of the affected printer drivers. In technical terms, an out-of-bounds write occurs when a program writes data outside the boundaries of allocated memory, potentially leading to unintended behavior, crashes, or code execution. In this context, the flaw could be exploited by crafting a malicious EMF file that, when processed by the vulnerable driver, triggers the out-of-bounds write, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
Potential Impact
The ramifications of this vulnerability are significant. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the user running the print job. This could lead to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the affected system. Additionally, exploitation could result in denial-of-service conditions, rendering the printer inoperative and disrupting business operations.
Affected Products
The vulnerability affects the following Canon printer drivers:
– Generic Plus PCL6
– UFR II
– LIPS4
– LIPSXL
– PS
All versions up to and including 3.12 are impacted. These drivers are commonly used across various Canon production printers, office multifunction printers, and laser printers. Users are advised to verify the driver versions installed on their systems to determine if they are affected.
Mitigation and Remediation
Canon has responded promptly by releasing updated versions of the affected drivers that address this critical vulnerability. Users are strongly encouraged to take the following steps:
1. Identify Affected Drivers: Determine if your system utilizes any of the affected driver versions (3.12 or earlier).
2. Download Updated Drivers: Visit Canon’s official website or contact authorized Canon support channels to obtain the latest, patched versions of the drivers.
3. Install Updates: Follow the provided instructions to install the updated drivers, ensuring that the vulnerability is effectively mitigated.
4. Verify Installation: After installation, confirm that the driver version has been updated and that the system is functioning correctly.
Preventive Measures
In addition to updating the drivers, users should implement the following best practices to enhance security:
– Network Security: Ensure that printers are not directly exposed to the internet. Configure network settings to place printers behind firewalls or routers that restrict unauthorized access.
– Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to limit who can send print jobs to the printers.
– Regular Updates: Keep all software, including printer drivers and firmware, up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
– Monitor Systems: Regularly monitor printing systems for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts.
Industry Response
The disclosure of this vulnerability underscores the importance of collaboration between technology companies and security researchers. Microsoft’s MORSE team played a crucial role in identifying and responsibly disclosing the flaw, allowing Canon to develop and release patches promptly. This incident highlights the need for continuous vigilance and proactive security measures in the management of hardware and software components within organizational infrastructures.
Conclusion
The discovery of CVE-2025-1268 in Canon printer drivers serves as a critical reminder of the potential security risks associated with peripheral devices. Organizations and individuals using the affected drivers must act swiftly to apply the necessary updates and implement recommended security practices. By doing so, they can protect their systems from potential exploitation and ensure the integrity and availability of their printing services.
