Digital Security Specialists Reveal PrintNightmare Patch is Fallible

  • By David Lukic
  • Published: Feb 02, 2022
  • Last Updated: Mar 18, 2022

Microsoft’s digital security team has released a patch for Windows versions impacted by PrintNightmare.  However, those same digital security researchers have figured out how to bypass the patch, meaning it is only a matter of time until digital miscreants find the same workaround and wreak havoc.

PrintNightmare is the latest issue in what has been a steady stream of digital security vulnerabilities identified by Chinese tech aficionados.  The Chinese researchers mistakenly revealed a proof-of-concept exploit as 2021 drew to a close, assuming the weakness had already been transmitted by others and subsequently patched by Microsoft.

What is PrintNightmare?

Chinese digital security specialists mistakenly disclosed an important zero-day bug within Windows dubbed PrintNightmare.  Sangfor Technologies in Shenzhen revealed the weakness after confusion arose pertaining to a separate susceptibility pertaining to Print Spooler. This zero-day puts domain controller servers in harm’s way.  

If hackers were to obtain remote control of such servers, ransomware specialists could use them to launch enterprise networks.  Though Microsoft patched the vulnerability, it still presents an opportunity for cyber miscreants to wreak digital havoc.

Why is the Patch Weak?

The out-of-band patch provided by Microsoft isn’t nearly as formidable as originally anticipated.  However, it must be noted the initial release of the patch was incomplete.  The follow-up version applicable to remaining unpatched Windows servers and operating systems appeared to be much more effective.  It took only a couple hours for digital security specialists to reveal proof-of-concept attacks on the patch, indicating it is susceptible to remote code execution as well as local privilege escalation that set the stage for digital infiltrations, identity theft, the freezing of systems until ransoms are paid, and additional damage.

What is the Exact Weakness?

Benjamin Delpy, the mastermind behind Mimikatz, indicates the underlying issues pertains to the Point and Print function that permits Windows clients to link up with a remote printer after installation media is added.  In plain terms, this means an authenticated user has the potential to obtain administrator privileges on a computer running Print Spooler for arbitrary code.  Such a vulnerability could jeopardize Windows domain controllers, providing digital criminals with an opportunity to infiltrate enterprise networks using harmful code or ransomware attacks.  

What Does Microsoft’s Brass Have to Say About the Vulnerability?

Though Microsoft has admitted the digital security flaw is a legitimate weakness, the software giant doesn’t appear to have a lasting solution.  Microsoft’s public relations specialists noted the security flaw toward the bottom of a recent advisory.  However, the company has not successfully patched the vulnerability.  

Microsoft’s official statement communicates Point and Print is not directly tied to the vulnerability, yet the tech reduces the efficacy of the local security posture in a manner that allows for exploitation.  Microsoft representatives have also stated it is prudent to disallow the Point and Print feature for users who are non-administrators.  The company’s public statements also indicate it is in the interest of users to double-check elevation and warning prompts to ensure they are displayed for printer updates and installations.  

 

About the Author
IDStrong Logo

Related Articles

Instagram Vulnerability Allowed Hackers Access to Control Your Phone

Security experts Check Point Research discovered a critical vulnerability while examining Instagra ... Read More

Alien Malware Infects More than 226 Mobile Apps and Steals Bank Data

As reported on September 24, 2020, by ZDNet and ThreatPost, a new strain of malware named “A ... Read More

Universal Health Systems Hit by Ransomware Attack

Universal Health Systems (UHS), a Fortune 500 company owning more than 400 hospitals across the co ... Read More

Exchange Server Bug Exposes a Big Risk to Hackers

Months after Microsoft released a patch to fix a serious flaw in MS Exchange Server, more than 61% ... Read More

Clients’ Bank Data Exposed in Blackbaud Ransomware Attack

Blackbaud software was victim to a ransomware attack last May, and new information suggests that c ... Read More

Latest Articles

What is a Time-based One-time Password (TOTP)?

What is a Time-based One-time Password (TOTP)?

Authentication is the process that verifies the user's identity to control access to resources, prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to the system, and record user activities (to hold them accountable for their activities).

Corporate Fraud: Detection, Prevention, and the Role of Corporate Fraud Attorneys

Corporate Fraud: Detection, Prevention, and the Role of Corporate Fraud Attorneys

The growing scale of organizations and the more opportunities to push the boundaries have led to an upsurge in corporate fraud in recent years.

Is Upwork Legit and How To Protect Yourself?

Is Upwork Legit and How To Protect Yourself?

Doing business online has become simpler with the development of the Internet and mobile technologies. In general, both freelancers and clients benefit from the freelancing platforms.

Featured Articles

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

Buying your own home is the American Dream, but it might seem out of reach to those with bad credit. However, the good news is, if your credit is less than perfect, you do still have options and in most cases, can still buy a home.

How Secure Is Your Password? Tips to Improve Your Password Security

How Secure Is Your Password? Tips to Improve Your Password Security

Any good IT article on computers and network security will address the importance of strong, secure passwords. However, the challenge of good passwords is that most people have a hard time remembering them, so they use simple or obvious ones that pose a security risk.

Top 10 Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Top 10 Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Senior scams are becoming a major epidemic for two reasons. First, seniors often have a lot of money in the bank from a life of working hard and saving.

Notice

By proceeding with this scan, you agree to let IDStrong run a Free Scan of supplied parameters of your personal information and provide free preliminary findings in compliance with our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. You consent to us using your provided information to complete the Free Scan and compare it against our records and breach databases or sources to provide your Free preliminary findings report.

Rest assured: IDStrong will not share your information with third parties or store your information beyond what is required to perform your scan and share your results.

Free Identity Threat Scan
Instantly Check if Your Personal Information is Exposed
All fields below are required
Please enter first name
Please enter last name
Please enter a city
Please select a state
Please enter an age
Please enter an email address
Close