Over 150,000 printers hacked to warn users

A hacker named ‘StackOverflowin’ hijacked more than 150,000 printers globally in order to warn users about a critical vulnerability.

Over the weekend, a hacker took over thousands of printing devices. Contrary to other hacks which have a purpose of stealing information or demanding ransom, this hack was done in good faith.

The hacker, who identified himself as StackOverflowin, printed a warning for the internet-connected users who were using their printing devices without any firewall protection. He claimed that he targeted the printing devices that have IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) ports, LPD (Line Printer Daemon) ports, and port 9100 left open to external connections. There were two different messages sent by the hacker; the first one showed ASCII art on a robot while the other showed ASCII art with a computer.

“stackoverflowin/stack the almighty, hacker god has returned to his throne, as the greatest memegod. Your printer is a part of flaming botnet. YOUR PRINTER HAS BEEN PWND’D.”

“stackoverflowin the hacker god has returned, / your printer is part of a flaming botnet, / operating on Putin’s forehead utilising BTI’s (break the internet) complex infrastructure…
hacked / hacked / lol just, / kidding
For the love of God, please close this port, skid.
FROM MICHAEL JENSCH, ROSENWEG, UNNA, DEUTSCHLAND.”

He even mentioned his twitter handle “lmaostack” for any questions. The users were asked to close the ports. The hacker said,

“People have done this in the past and sent racist flyers, etc. I’m not about that, I’m about helping people to fix their problem, but having a bit of fun at the same time 😉 Everyone’s been cool about it and thanked me, to be honest,”

The people seemed to be enjoying this and hundreds of pictures were shared on the Twitter, Reddit and HP Forum. Though done in good faith, printers manufacturing companies like HP, Samsung, Epson, Canon etc. should handle the vulnerabilities and guide users about protecting their devices through firewall protection.

Image source: Gizmodo