Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

CVE-2025-12785: Potential Credential Exposure in HP LaserJet Pro Printers – A Critical Security Analysis

Overview

CVE-2025-12785 describes a potential information disclosure vulnerability affecting certain HP LaserJet Pro printers. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to potentially expose credentials by altering the scan/send destination address and/or modifying the LDAP Server configuration. The vulnerability was published on 2025-11-13. While the CVE is currently unrated with a CVSS score of N/A, it’s crucial to understand the potential impact and take appropriate mitigation steps.

Technical Details

The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation or authorization controls within the printer’s scan/send functionality and LDAP configuration settings. An attacker with unauthorized access to the printer’s web interface or control panel might be able to:

  • Alter the Scan/Send Destination Address: This could allow an attacker to redirect scanned documents to an email address or network share under their control, potentially capturing sensitive information contained within the documents.
  • Modify the LDAP Server Configuration: By manipulating the LDAP server settings, an attacker could potentially gain access to user credentials stored in the LDAP directory, or redirect authentication requests to a malicious server.

The specific models affected and the exact attack vectors are detailed in the HP Security Bulletin referenced below.

CVSS Analysis

Currently, CVE-2025-12785 has a CVSS score of N/A. This suggests that the vulnerability is either still under analysis, or the specific exploitability details are not yet fully understood or publicly available. However, the potential for credential exposure makes this a high-risk vulnerability that should be addressed promptly.

It’s important to continuously monitor the official HP Security Bulletin for updates on the CVSS score and severity as more information becomes available.

Possible Impact

The exploitation of CVE-2025-12785 could have significant consequences:

  • Data Breach: Sensitive information contained in scanned documents (e.g., financial records, personal data, confidential business plans) could be exposed to unauthorized individuals.
  • Credential Theft: Compromising LDAP server configurations could lead to the theft of user credentials, allowing attackers to gain access to other network resources and systems.
  • Business Disruption: A successful attack could disrupt printing and scanning services, impacting business operations.
  • Reputational Damage: A data breach resulting from this vulnerability could severely damage an organization’s reputation.

Mitigation and Patch Steps

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-12785, HP recommends the following steps:

  1. Apply the Firmware Update: HP has released firmware updates to address this vulnerability. Update your affected HP LaserJet Pro printer to the latest firmware version as soon as possible. Refer to the HP Security Bulletin for specific firmware versions and download links.
  2. Restrict Access to Printer Settings: Implement strong authentication measures to control access to the printer’s web interface and control panel. Limit access to authorized personnel only.
  3. Review LDAP Configuration: Carefully review the LDAP server configuration settings on the printer to ensure they are accurate and secure. Verify the authenticity of the LDAP server and disable any unnecessary LDAP features.
  4. Network Segmentation: Isolate the printers on a separate network segment to limit the potential impact of a successful attack.
  5. Monitor Printer Activity: Implement monitoring solutions to detect any suspicious activity related to the printer, such as unauthorized access attempts or changes to configuration settings.

References

Cybersecurity specialist and founder of Gowri Shankar Infosec - a professional blog dedicated to sharing actionable insights on cybersecurity, data protection, server administration, and compliance frameworks including SOC 2, PCI DSS, and GDPR.

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