CVE-2025-9269 is a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability identified in the embedded web server component of multiple Lexmark printer models, including the CX, XC, CS, MS, MX, and XM series. SSRF vulnerabilities allow an attacker to manipulate the vulnerable server to send crafted HTTP requests to arbitrary third-party or internal network servers. In this case, the flaw resides in the Lexmark devices' embedded web server, which processes incoming requests insufficiently validating or restricting the destination of outbound HTTP requests. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can coerce the printer to initiate HTTP requests to internal network resources or external servers, potentially bypassing network segmentation or firewall rules. This can lead to unauthorized internal network reconnaissance, access to sensitive internal services, or data disclosure from the device or internal systems. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9 (medium severity), reflecting that the vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without authentication or user interaction, with low complexity and limited impact on confidentiality. However, the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability directly. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved on August 20, 2025, and published on September 9, 2025. CWE-918 categorizes this as an SSRF issue, a common web security flaw that can be leveraged for internal network pivoting or data leakage. The affected versions are not explicitly detailed, but multiple Lexmark printer product lines are impacted, indicating a potentially broad attack surface in environments using these devices.

For European organizations, this SSRF vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where Lexmark printers are deployed within internal networks. Exploitation could allow attackers to bypass perimeter defenses by leveraging the printer as a proxy to access internal services that are otherwise inaccessible externally. This can lead to unauthorized internal reconnaissance, exposure of sensitive data, or further lateral movement within the network. Given that many European enterprises and public sector organizations use Lexmark devices due to their robust printing solutions, the vulnerability could affect critical infrastructure, government agencies, and private sector companies alike. The potential for data disclosure or internal network compromise could impact confidentiality and privacy obligations under regulations such as GDPR. Additionally, the ability to access internal systems via SSRF may facilitate more advanced attacks, including data exfiltration or disruption of internal services. Although the CVSS score indicates medium severity, the real-world impact could be higher if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements makes exploitation feasible for remote attackers scanning for vulnerable devices exposed on the internet or accessible within corporate networks.

To mitigate this SSRF vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Immediately inventory all Lexmark devices in their environment to identify affected models. 2) Monitor vendor communications closely for official patches or firmware updates addressing CVE-2025-9269 and apply them promptly once available. 3) Restrict network access to the embedded web server interfaces of Lexmark printers by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules that limit access to trusted management subnets only. 4) Employ network-level controls such as egress filtering to prevent printers from making arbitrary outbound HTTP requests, especially to untrusted or external IP addresses. 5) Use intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect anomalous HTTP requests originating from printers. 6) Disable or restrict unnecessary embedded web server functionalities if feasible, or replace vulnerable devices if patching is delayed. 7) Conduct internal security assessments to identify if any internal services are exposed or accessible via the printer’s SSRF capability and harden those services accordingly. 8) Educate IT and security teams about the risks of SSRF and the importance of monitoring printer network traffic for suspicious activity. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on network controls, device management, and proactive monitoring specific to the nature of this SSRF vulnerability.