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Securing Departmental Systems

Multifunction Printer Hardening Checklist

This is a historical page and is no longer maintained. This version of the document was retired on January 16, 2009.

For up-to-date information, please view the current version. Read our Web history statement for more information.

Preparation and Installation
Step √ To Do MFD UT Note Cat I Cat II/III Min Std
1   If machine is a new install, protect it from hostile network traffic, until the operating system is installed and hardened.   § !   5.1
Network Protocols
2   Disable all protocols other than IP if they are not being utilized. 01.001 § !   5.4
3   Assign the MFP a static IP address. 01.002 §      
4   Restrict printing/copying/faxing/scanning to the minimum number of subnets practical for the device to function for its group of users. 01.003   !   5.5
5   Use secure communications.   § !   5.6
Management Services
6   Change default passwords and SNMP community strings. 02.001   ! ! 5.13
7   Ensure the MFP maintains its configuration state after power-down or reboot. If a full reset is performed, ensure that a process is in place to reconfigure the MFP back to its production state. 02.002        
8   Disable unneeded management protocols. 02.003 § !   5.4
9   Upgrade to patched firmware expediently, in a manner consistent with change control processes. 02.004   ! ! 5.2
10   Utilize automated patching notification, if available.   § ! ! 5.3
11   Only allow specific, trusted subnets or hosts to manage the MFP. 02.005   !   5.5
Print/Copy/Scan/Fax Services
12   Limit print/copy/fax/scan services to required protocols. 03.001 § !   5.4
13   If hard disk functionality is enabled, configure the MFP to remove spooled files, images, and other temporary data using a secure overwrite between jobs. 07.001 §      
14   Ensure that the MFP provides secure storage for Cat-I data.   § !   5.7
Logging
15   Ensure that logging is enabled on MFPs. 06.001   !   6.1
16   Logs are reviewed on a regular basis. 06.006   !   6.2
17   Logs follow data retention policies.     !   6.3
Physical Security
18   Physically secure the MFP in areas with restricted access.   § !   4.1
19   Lock and prevent access to the hard disk. 08.001 § !   4.1
20   Ensure that only printer administrators can modify the global configuration from the console by requiring a password. 08.002   !   5.14

UT Note: Addendum

This list provides specific tasks related to the computing environment at The University of Texas at Austin.

1 If other alternatives are unavailable, this can be accomplished by installing a SOHO router/firewall in between the network and the host to be protected. Performing as much of the configuration as possible while the MFP is not plugged into the network is another alternative.
2 Some printers support non-IP based protocols for compatibility with legacy systems. These might include AppleTalk and IPX/SPX. These protocols are more difficult to monitor and secure, and should be disabled if they are not being used.
3 Giving MFPs static IP addresses or DHCP reservations makes it easier to monitor them and apply access lists on hardware-based firewalls. Consider placing MFPs on their own VLAN, which may make them easier to identify and secure. It is also strongly advised to give MFPs campus-routed RFC 1918 addresses, so that they are not accessible from the Internet. It is rare that an MFP needs to be accessed from off-campus, and a VPN can be used in those instances.
5 Examples of ways to provide secure communications:
  • If the MFP supports it, use HTTPS for web-based management rather than HTTP.
  • If you use SNMP to manage your MFP, and your MFP supports it, choose SNMPv3 for its authentication and encryption features.
  • Encryption of Category-I data that is output to a printer connected to a network shall be provided through the use of secure printing applications (e.g., JetDirect) or protocols (e.g., IPP over SSL or TLS) to prevent unauthorized network interception.
  • Rather than printing directly over the Internet, restrict printing to a select group of trusted campus subnets and use the VPN to print over the Internet.
8 Examples of management protocols that can possibly be disabled:
  • HTTP/HTTPS: Most MFPs include an embedded web server, and HTTP or HTTPS will likely be the primary management protocol for your device. If the MFP does not require remote management, this interface can be disabled. At the very least, see if HTTPS is supported and HTTP can be disabled.
  • Telnet: Some MFPs provide telnet management interfaces, which are also used by some older management tools. If possible, disable this insecure protocol.
  • SNMP: If SNMP is not used for device management in your environment, then disable it.
10 MFP upgrades are often manual processes. Patch update notifications might include e-mails from the manufacturer or leasing company.
12 Examples of possible protocols:
  • Port 9100 (a.k.a. HP JetDirect, socket): Most printing services use this protocol, especially drivers from HP, so you may not be able to disable it.
  • LPD: LPD is used for printing by many Unix and Linux systems. However, many can now also use CUPS (the Common UNIX Printing System), which allows for printing via a number of protocols. If you do not need LPD, disable it.
  • IPP: If the Internet Printing Protocol is not used in your environment, then disable it.
  • FTP: Some printers give you the ability to FTP upload documents to print. This feature is not used in most environments and should be disabled.
  • SMB: SMB (Windows) printing is often not required, as it is taken care of by other protocols, such as JetDirect. It is also not encrypted. If possible, disable SMB printing.
  • SMTP: This is often used for scanning and faxing, and can often be disabled.
13 Some MFPs may include the ability to wipe job-related files in between jobs. Others might require an additional security kit from the manufacturer.
14 Some ways to provide secure storage on MFPs:
  • User “mailboxes” (which usually contain faxes and scans) must require authentication and authorization.
  • Some MFPs support encrypted storage, either natively or with the addition of a security kit. If this option is available, consider using it.
18 The level of confidentiality required dictates how MFPs are physically placed. Examples might include:
  • Kept in a data center with restricted access.
  • Kept in an office that is attended during business hours and locked after hours.
  • When a vendor is working on the MFP, the vendor's work is monitored to ensure that security measures are not removed during the course of troubleshooting. If they are removed, they must be put back in place.
Refer to the UT Austin Minimum Security Standards for Data Stewardship for more information.
19 If the MFP has a removable hard drive option, then ensure that the drive is locked into the device.

References

DISA Sharing Peripherals Across the Network Security Technical Implementation Guide, Version 1, Release 1

DISA Multi-Function Device (MFD) and Printer Checklist for Sharing Peripherals Across the Network Security Technical Implementation Guide, Version 1, Release 1.2

HP LaserJet 4345 MFP Security Checklist

HP Secure Imaging and Printing

Canon imagerRUNNER Security Kit

UT Austin Minimum Security Standards for Systems

UT Austin Minimum Security Standards for Data Stewardship

UT Austin Data Encryption Guidelines

UT Austin ISO Consensus Papers

SANS Institute Gold Paper: Auditing and Securing Multifunction Devices

 

Last updated July 20, 2009.
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