HP Warns That Compact Flash Cards Shipped With HP ProCurve 5400 zl Switches Could Be Infected With Malware

HP has warned of a security vulnerability associated with its ProCurve 5400 zl switches that contain compact flash cards that the company says may be infected with malware. The company warned that using one of the infected compact flash cards in question on computer could result in the system being compromised.

It’s unclear what type of malware may be on the infected flash cards, where it came from, and the extent of the damage that could come as a result of a PC being infected, but SecurityWeek has reached out to HP for comment and will update the story accordingly. (Update 04/12 10am ET: An HP Spokesperson did respond to a SecurityWeek inquiry but has yet to provide answers on the type of malware, when it was discovered, and where it could have come from, instead directing us to the security advisory. We're working to get these questions answered and hope to update this soon.)

According to HP's Software Security Response Team, the potential threat exists on HP 5400 zl series switches purchased after April 30, 2011 with certain serial numbers listed in the security advisory.

HP said the vulnerability can be resolved via a “Software Purge Option” or a hardware replacement option. With the software purge, HP has a script that will delete malicious file(s) and directory in question without causing any switch downtime.

HP notes that for customers who have 5400 zl switches that are not on their network and must be purged, or for those not comfortable with performing the software purge option, HP will send a replacement Management Module to the customer. The downside to this option, HP says, is that the 5400 zl switch must be powered down in order to replace the Management Module, resulting in downtime.

According to HP product documentation, the HP 5400 zl Switch Series consists of advanced intelligent switches in the HP modular chassis product line which includes 6-slot and 12-slot chassis and associated zl modules and bundles.

This issue once again brings attention to the security of the electronics supply chain which has been a hot topic as of late.

In March 2012, a consortium of experts published a preview of standards meant to improve the security of the global supply chain for commercial software and hardware products. The standards are the work of The Open Group, and are supported by companies ranging from Boeing to Oracle to IBM. The document has been dubbed the Open Trusted Technology Provider Standard (O-TTPS) Snapshot. The standards are being aimed at providers, suppliers and integrators with the goal of enhancing the security of the supply chain and allowing customers to differentiate between providers who adopt the standard’s practices and those who don’t.

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Related: The Government's IT Supply Chain is Weak, Says GAO