Security Analysis and Mitigation for Network Printers

Guohe Xingke (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd. Zhang Yujue

Abstract : As network information technology and printing demands continue to evolve, printers are also undergoing constant improvements. Printing is one of the most common functions among information‑processing devices; however, while it offers numerous conveniences, it also gives rise to serious information security concerns, such as the exposure of sensitive data during the printing process. To enhance the information security of domestically produced printer brands and mitigate printing‑related security risks, proactive measures are essential.

With the proliferation of operating systems, storage devices, and IP protocols, the security risks posed by networked devices are greater than ever. The security of network printers has become a critical vulnerability in cybersecurity; this paper dissects and analyzes the intrusion process targeting network printers.

Keywords : Cybersecurity, security defense, network printers

Introduction

With the rapid advancement of networking and communication technologies in recent years, network printers have seen increasingly broad applications, leading to more pronounced security challenges. Unlike traditional printers, network printers are equipped with embedded operating systems, storage capabilities, and IP‑based communication functions. This makes them a far greater cybersecurity threat than commonly perceived by the public. Attackers can exploit network printers to exfiltrate information and resources, subsequently leveraging that data for further breaches. Prioritizing the security of network printers has become a critical issue that modern networks must address, as these devices often represent a weak link in overall network defenses. During information‑security assessments, we conduct security reviews of network‑enabled devices and have identified FTP, Telnet, and similar protocols as among the most frequent sources of vulnerabilities. However, upon verification with system users, we determined that, since printers do not store data and printing‑monitoring and security‑checking functions are integral components of the device, such vulnerabilities do not pose genuine risks to system integrity or data protection. In the realm of network‑printing management, the primary focus tends to be on controlling print workflows rather than on securing downstream network traffic or safeguarding sensitive document metadata. Printer‑level security is largely developed by individual device manufacturers, with a high degree of proprietary implementation; each brand adopts its own policies, and multi‑vendor ecosystems offering integrated security solutions remain relatively rare. Moreover, existing protocols typically concentrate on addressing specific potential threats or exploiting known vulnerabilities, while lacking comprehensive support mechanisms for the broader context of printer usage. This paper analyzes the security risks confronting network printers.

I. Current Usage of Network Printers

As an independent component of the network, a printer is not only an external peripheral to the computer but also an autonomous node within the network, making it one of the most essential tools in the daily work of ordinary Internet users. Serving as a medium for information, paper documents play an indispensable role in both routine office tasks and scientific research. Traditional printers, as external devices attached to the host computer, function solely as endpoints in the information‑receiving process, failing to meet the demands of modern publishing environments that require the rapid dissemination of large volumes of information. In today’s internet‑driven landscape, conventional printers are increasingly being replaced by networked printers. While networked printers still serve primarily as tools for receiving and transmitting information, they effectively reduce resource consumption, enhance operational efficiency, and offer advantages such as simple operation, departmental convenience, and easy management and sharing—making them highly popular among enterprises, government agencies, educational institutions, and other users. In recent years, China’s printer market has exhibited a steady upward trend. According to statistics from the “2018–2024 China Printer Industry Market Competition Landscape and Future Development Trends Report” published by the China Industry Information Network, the Chinese printer market was valued at RMB 50.5 billion in 2014 and had grown to RMB 56.6 billion by 2016.
Printers are often directly connected to corporate networks, and during operation they handle large volumes of sensitive data. This makes them highly attractive targets for cyberattacks. According to statistics from reputable international organizations, there are three primary channels through which corporate websites leak data: email, portable storage devices, and printed documents. While email and portable storage breaches are commonly encountered in work and study environments and have already garnered significant attention from both enterprises and users, the risk of data leakage via printing is frequently overlooked. Often, only a single security measure—such as a print‑job encryption device—is deployed to address printing‑related risks, leaving networked printers among the weakest links in an organization’s cybersecurity posture.

II. Background and Significance of the Study

In the “Analysis of Exposure of Domestic IoT Assets” report published by NSFOCUS in 2017, we can see that numerous brands of network printers currently exhibit varying degrees of exposure, totaling 46,887 devices. Among them, HP, Epson, and Fuji Xerox account for more than 75% of the total exposed devices. Globally, the number of exposed network printers stands at 576,576. An analysis of the open ports on these exposed printers reveals that approximately 30% have ports 80 and 8080 open for HTTP, while roughly another 30% have port 21 open to support FTP. Consequently, if vulnerabilities exist in these protocols, the exposed network printers become highly susceptible to attack, making them targets for adversaries seeking to steal sensitive information or compromise networks.

Figures 1–1 and 1–2 illustrate, respectively, the exposure status of printers from different brands and the exposure status of their various ports.

Figure 1: Exposure of Network-Connected Printers in China

Figure 2: Exposure of Network Printer Ports in China

As evidenced by the aforementioned security incidents and statistical data, a large number of network devices are exposed on public networks, making them极易 vulnerable to attack and placing their security in a critically precarious state. The “barrel principle” underscores that if the security of network printers cannot be ensured, then the overall security of the network they reside in becomes an urgent and pressing challenge. The security of network printers is a concern shared by researchers, manufacturers, and users alike.

III. Common Vulnerabilities of Printers

For printers, the WEP attack is a cross-site printing exploit. When a user visits a malicious website crafted by an attacker, the attacker can inject code into the user’s browser that leverages a hidden IFRAME to send unrestricted commands directly to the printer’s built-in server on port 9100, targeting the user’s internal network printer. Exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can use an FTP server to gain arbitrary access to the system, easily causing operational issues with network‑connected printers or triggering malfunctions. Additionally, other intruders may obtain the printer’s IP address and compromise other devices on the network, leading to further security breaches—such as inadequate resistance to cyberattacks and weak antivirus defenses. Attackers can connect to the printer over TCP/IP; once connected, they can access various network services, including FTP, SMB, SNMP, LPD, IPP, and port 9100, and deploy malicious documents to carry out their attacks.

IV. Advantages of Using Network Printers

Modern network printers offer a highly manageable printing solution, enabling administrators to address network‑related printing issues efficiently and with minimal effort, thereby reducing capital expenditures and minimizing workforce inefficiencies. They also allow both administrators and users to monitor print job progress and performance in real time.

V. Conclusion

During this process, the network environment has undergone new changes in information security, often manifesting as a weakening cycle. Through analysis and research on the security of network printers, new approaches have been proposed to enhance information security in network printing environments. The following work has been completed:

1. Analyze the operating principles of network printers by examining the system architectures of mainstream network printers, investigating how they describe print jobs and manage printing tasks, and elucidating the role of network printing in the data transmission process as well as the underlying mechanisms of network printer operation.

2. Security analysis of network printing services is conducted on the basis of a thorough understanding of their operational principles. By examining and analyzing the transmission, control, and processing of data across the network, this study identifies potential security vulnerabilities inherent in network printing. Building on this foundation, we assess information‑leakage risks in the network printing sector from the perspectives of authenticity and integrity, and further uncover security risks associated with network printers by evaluating their visibility.

3. Analysis of Security Risks in the Network Printing Industry We conducted a three-part assessment of the network printing sector, covering the dismantling of network‑printing infrastructure, illicit live streaming within the printing industry, and remote control of printers. The tests demonstrate that the network printing industry faces severe security vulnerabilities affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

VI. Expectations for the Future

We anticipate further improvements and validation of the security of our network devices in the future. The next steps are as follows:

1. Given the limited number of network printer models supported in the current implementation environment, future efforts will focus on assessing and analyzing the security of network printers that employ alternative technologies.

2. This study focuses solely on the security of network printers; research on the security of smart network devices tends to be relatively narrow in scope, leading to a greater emphasis on diverse aspects. Moving forward, our investigation will expand to include scanners, fax machines, and other related smart network devices.

3. Smart network devices on the market are rapidly evolving, with Android-based smart networking products now available. This has brought about new developments in information security, and further research and advancements are expected in the future.

-- References --

[1] Wang Ledong, Tu Hang, Hou Wenrui. Research on Printer Security Risk Analysis and an Information Protection Framework [J]. Network Security Technology & Applications, 2023, (06): 140–142.
[2] Li Suolei. Research on Security Risk Analysis and Prevention Techniques for Network Printers [J]. Police Technology, 2022, (05): 65–68.
[3] Zhou Yuan, Lu Zhengrong. Analysis of Security Risks in Network Printers and Research on Protective Strategies [J]. Network Security Technology and Applications, 2020, (11): 166–167.
[4] Li Li, Chen Shiyang, Yang Ziyi, et al. Research on Network Printer Security and Recommendations for Protection [J]. Electronic Products World, 2019, 26(03): 58–61.
[5] Mou Jianghu, Fan Min. Research and Design of an Intelligent Printer [J]. Computer Products & Distribution, 2018, (06): 115.
[6] Chen Sixun. Research on Information Security of Network Printers [J]. China Management Informationization, 2018, 21(10): 169–171.
[7] Yao Yuan. Analysis of Security Risks and Preventive Measures for Network Printers [J]. Rural Advisor, 2018, (10): 261+295.
[8] Rao Yingying. Design and Implementation of a Print Security Control System [D]. Harbin Institute of Technology, 2017.