What's Happening?
Xerox has recently addressed two critical vulnerabilities in its FreeFlow Core print orchestration platform, which were discovered by the pentesting company Horizon3. The vulnerabilities include an XXE injection flaw (CVE-2025-8355) and a path traversal issue (CVE-2025-8356). These flaws could potentially allow unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerabilities were reported to Xerox in June and have been patched as of August 8, with fixes included in FreeFlow Core version 8.0.5. FreeFlow Core is widely used for prepress automation workflows by organizations with large-scale printing operations, such as universities, packaging and marketing firms, and government agencies.
Why It's Important?
The discovery and patching of these vulnerabilities are significant as they highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by organizations using complex print orchestration systems. The ability for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code poses a substantial risk, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information and disruption of operations. Organizations relying on FreeFlow Core for critical printing tasks must ensure they apply the latest patches to protect against these vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the importance of regular security assessments and updates in safeguarding digital infrastructure.
What's Next?
Organizations using FreeFlow Core are advised to update to version 8.0.5 to mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities. Xerox's proactive response in patching these issues may prompt other companies to review their security protocols and ensure their systems are protected against similar threats. Security firms and researchers will likely continue to monitor the platform for any further vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in cybersecurity practices.
Beyond the Headlines
The vulnerabilities in Xerox's FreeFlow Core highlight broader concerns about the security of print orchestration systems, which often handle pre-public information related to marketing campaigns and other sensitive data. As digital transformation continues to expand, the security of such systems becomes increasingly critical, necessitating robust security measures and regular updates to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.
