Hacking HP Ink Cartridges: A Deep Dive into Man-in-the-Middle PCB Attacks
In the world of printing, inkjet ink is notoriously expensive, often priced much higher than it should be. This inflated pricing is largely due to artificial pricing strategies employed by manufacturers. As a result, many consumers have turned to third-party options in an effort to avoid paying exorbitant prices for genuine manufacturer cartridges. These third-party cartridges are typically refilled versions of the original cartridges, but they come with their own set of challenges, particularly due to the implementation of digital rights management (DRM) by manufacturers.
DRM systems in printers use tracking chips embedded in each cartridge to prevent manual refilling with a syringe. These chips are designed to detect when a cartridge has been tampered with or refilled, rendering the cartridge useless if it doesn’t pass the manufacturer’s checks. However, where there is a lock, there is often a key, and hackers have found ways to bypass these DRM systems. One such method, demonstrated by Jay Summet, involves a physical man-in-the-middle attack using a flex PCB with contacts on both sides to intercept and manipulate traffic between the cartridge and the printer.
Summet’s method relies on a single integrated circuit (IC) in a quad flat no-lead (QFN) package located on the cartridge side. To make space for this IC, an indentation is milled into the cartridge’s plastic, allowing the bypass to fit flush between the cartridge and the printer. This clever hack effectively deceives the printer into believing that it is using a genuine cartridge, thus allowing it to continue functioning with non-genuine cartridges. While HP is aware of this issue and has taken steps to prevent it, such as threatening to ‘brick’ printers that use third-party cartridges, the battle between manufacturers and hackers continues.
HP claims that their strict DRM measures are in place to protect users from hackers and viruses. However, the legality of these DRM systems is being questioned in numerous lawsuits. Critics argue that these practices are anti-consumer and serve only to lock users into a costly ecosystem. As a result, many consumers have resorted to finding alternative ways to bypass the DRM, despite the risks involved. It may be wise for those who rely heavily on their printers to have a backup monochrome laser printer in case their HP inkjet printer encounters an error due to the DRM.
The popularity of third-party options and bypasses highlights the ongoing frustration consumers feel towards the high cost of genuine cartridges. Despite HP’s efforts to curb these practices, the demand for more affordable ink solutions remains strong. This situation has led to a cat-and-mouse game between manufacturers and hackers, with each side continually developing new methods to outsmart the other. The outcome of the legal battles surrounding printer DRM will be crucial in determining whether consumers will have more affordable options for ink in the future.
A YouTube creator recently shared a video demonstrating a man-in-the-middle attack to bypass HP’s strict printer ink DRM. This video has been met with praise for circumventing HP’s user-unfriendly practices. The high prices of branded ink have driven many consumers to seek out third-party cartridges, leading manufacturers to embed chips in their printers to detect them. In response, third-party ink makers have resorted to refilling old cartridges to bypass this security feature. However, original ink cartridges now have page limiters, forcing users to replace them after printing a certain number of pages.
The man-in-the-middle attack involves adding a flexible PCB to the cartridge’s contacts and altering the signal to fool the printer into thinking it is an original cartridge. This chip hack is the latest attempt by third-party ink makers to address the negative experiences consumers have had with printers, specifically those branded by HP. HP has defended their decision to limit third-party ink, citing security concerns, and has even released ads stating their printers are ‘made to be less hated.’ However, their anti-consumer practices in the printer industry have driven people to seek out alternative, cheaper options for ink.
There have been multiple lawsuits against printer DRM, but it can take a long time for legal proceedings to have an impact. In the meantime, users have to find creative solutions to continue using their printers without having to pay exorbitant prices for ink. Tom’s Hardware, a tech news and review site, has covered this story and other tech industry news. The article’s author, Jowi Morales, is a technology enthusiast with years of experience in the industry. He has been writing for various tech publications since 2021, with a particular interest in tech hardware and consumer electronics.
HP has recently discontinued their online-only LaserJet printers after facing backlash. They have also discontinued their Instant Ink subscription service. These decisions are likely in response to consumer frustration with the company’s anti-consumer practices. The topic of costly printer ink and anti-consumer practices in the printer industry is ongoing and continues to be a source of frustration for many. Readers are encouraged to sign up for Tom’s Hardware’s news and reviews newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in the tech industry.
Hackers have found a way to bypass strict DRM rules on HP printers, allowing users to refill old cartridges and continue printing without spending extra money. HP allegedly sells printers at a loss and makes up for it by selling expensive ink cartridges. Users turned to third-party ink cartridge manufacturers, but HP responded by embedding chips in the cartridges. This rendered third-party products useless, causing users to refill old cartridges instead. HP then added a page limiter to stop the printer from working after a certain number of pages.
A YouTube creator demonstrated how to add a flexible PCB to the cartridge to bypass the page limit. The altered signal tricks the printer into thinking it’s an original cartridge. It’s uncertain if this hack will become popular among HP printer users. Users are not happy with HP’s current business model and will find ways to work around it. HP has lawsuits against printer DRM that they need to address. The company may be forced to find a new business model, even if it’s more expensive. Readers can sign up for a newsletter to stay informed about tech news.
A new method has emerged to bypass HP printer’s cartridge locks. A sticker with a printed circuit and microchip can fool the printer. HP has been criticized for anti-consumer practices, such as locking users into its ecosystem. The YouTuber Jay Summet showcased a refilled and modified HP cartridge. The cartridge had a sticker covering the communication pads. It acted as a flexible circuit board and conducted a man-in-the-middle attack. The hacker believes the microchip tricks the printer into thinking there is enough ink in the cartridge.
The DRM system still relies on the cartridge’s original chip. The additional chip intercepts the response and adjusts the ink levels. This makes the printer think the cartridge still has ink. HP printers can detect previously used cartridges but the ink level looks accurate. This method allows users to refill cartridges with cheap ink. HP’s ‘dynamic security’ system may brick printers using unofficial cartridges. The method comes with risks and users should use it at their own risk. Top education apps such as Coursera, Duolingo, Moodle, and Udemy have access to private data.