Millions of printers open to devastating hack attack, researchers say | MSNBC -Red Tape.
This could very well be the next opening salvo in hacks. Researchers with Columbia University have found a devastating new hack that could cripple businesses, government and consumers.
Worst of all, there is no EASY fix in some lines of HP LaserJet printers. The flaw exploits so called “embedded systems” that allow for Firmware upgrades. Many of these “embedded systems” operate as an independent computer system attached to a device.
Researchers, demonstrated how a compromised computer could instruct a printer to continuously heat up the Fuser to the near point of thermal melt down before a Thermal surge protector kicked in. The Researchers however believe that hackers could given time figure a way around this and be able to use printers as FireStarters.
Update 12.08.2011 – HP is being sued over this security flaw. A suite filed in San Jose, Ca. alleges that HP knowingly sold printers knowing full well there was a flaw that could be exploited. Source: CNet