At CyberStreams, we specialize in defending small businesses—including law firms, universities, non-profits, and manufacturers—against cyber threats that often emerge from the least expected places. And now, an alarming new vulnerability proves just how vulnerable seemingly simple office equipment can be.

On April 1, 2025, Microsoft’s Offensive Research and Security Engineering (MORSE) team revealed a critical flaw in Canon printer drivers. With a CVSS score of 9.4, this vulnerability ranks as severe—and it's affecting a wide range of Canon devices, from everyday office printers to high-end production machines.

What’s the Threat?

The flaw stems from how Canon’s drivers handle EMF Recode processing. Here’s the danger: attackers can exploit this vulnerability to run arbitrary code without requiring any user interaction or administrative privileges. In simpler terms, a malicious app can slip in through a print job, hijack your printer, and potentially take full control of your system.

Even more concerning is how cybercriminals are using these drivers in “Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver” (BYOVD) attacks. Since the drivers are Microsoft-signed, hackers can install them on any Windows system—even those that don’t use Canon printers—to bypass security protocols and escalate their privileges.

With 82% of ransomware attacks now involving data theft, according to the 2025 Ponemon Institute Report, this Canon flaw has become a lucrative target for cybercriminals. Just last week saw a spike in ransomware activity, and incidents like this make it clear: your printer could be a hidden liability.

Why It Matters to Your Business

For businesses that deal with sensitive data or rely on uninterrupted operations, this isn't just an IT issue—it’s a business risk. A compromised printer at a law firm could leak confidential client information. In manufacturing, an attack could halt an entire production line.

At CyberStreams, we’ve seen firsthand how vulnerabilities in overlooked devices become entry points for devastating cyberattacks. Although Canon has released updated drivers to address the issue, the threat remains until businesses take action.

This isn't theoretical. In 2022, the BlackByte ransomware group used a similar printer driver flaw to launch destructive attacks. Today’s flaw is just as serious—and now, it’s your move.

Take Action: Your 3-Step Response Plan

1. Update Your Drivers Immediately
   Head to Canon’s official website and download driver version 3.15 or higher. CyberStreams can support you with a full audit of your printer and driver infrastructure.

2. Monitor for Suspicious Activity
   Keep an eye out for irregular printer behavior or network anomalies. CyberStreams offers monitoring tools that alert you to threats before they escalate.

3. Strengthen Endpoint Security
   Implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions that can block malicious drivers. CyberStreams provides industry-grade endpoint protection tailored for small businesses.

Conclusion: Don’t Let a Printer Be Your Downfall

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and email filters—it’s about securing every corner of your digital environment. Printers, once considered harmless, have become prime targets for sophisticated attacks. At CyberStreams, we’re ready to help you close these gaps.

Take the steps now to patch your systems, monitor for threats, and harden your defenses. Because in today’s cyber landscape, even your printer can be a hacker’s gateway.